Jerick McKinnon (RB, MIN) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon will get a rare second chance to prove himself capable of being more than a backup. Dalvin Cook's season-ending ACL injury opens up the backfield to him once again, just as Adrian Peterson's injury did last season. Latavius Murray was signed to be the primary option, so he will get first crack at early-down work, but McKinnon will still have a role on passing downs. McKinnon averaged nearly three receptions per game last year, whereas Murray averaged 1.9 for his career. Moreover, Murray has publicly stated that his ankle is still bothering him after offseason surgery. It's possible that another injury could make McKinnon the sole inheritor of snaps at the RB position.

McKinnon disappointed last year by averaging 3.4 yards per carry, but he did show some improvement later in the season once Pat Shurmur came on as offensive coordinator. With an improved offensive line and Sam Bradford set to come back next week, there's little doubt this combine warrior could post better results this time around. McKinnon could be a sneaky stash for PPR owners in the second half of the season.