Mattison didn't have a carry and caught both of his targets for 16 yards during Saturday's preseason defeat to the Colts.

EDGE Analysis

With Dalvin Cook unavailable, Mattison interestingly was on the receiving end of Kirk Cousins' first two passes, but when the Vikings went to the ground Ameer Abdullah garnered the first two rushes. Afterward, Mattison didn't see another touch, while Abdullah got work with both the starters and reserves until halftime. Mattison has a firm hold on the backup RB job to Dalvin Cook, so the former's usage Saturday likely was to ensure he avoided any sort of health concern. When Cook sat out Weeks 6 and 17 last season, Mattison combined for 35 touches, 175 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.

Mattison appears fairly secure in the second spot on Minnesota's depth chart, according to Eric Smith of the team's official website.

EDGE Analysis

The Vikings lost Mike Boone to the Broncos in March, before selecting Kene Nwangwu in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Nwangwu made waves with a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, but only after an unexciting college career in which he was limited to 150 total touches over four seasons at Iowa State. While the raw talent could eventually make him a threat, Nwangwu isn't likely to put up a serious challenge against Mattison this summer, considering the third-year pro has averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 9.0 per catch to this point in his career, with 219 touches in 26 NFL appearances. Dalvin Cook should continue to dominate backfield work, but Mattison is easily the best bet to handle whatever's left.

Mattison ran for 95 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries while corralling all three of his targets for 50 yards and a receiving TD during Sunday's 37-35 win against the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

In relief of Dalvin Cook, who was absent Week 17 following the loss of his father, Mattison got out to a slow start with eight yards over his first three attempts of the afternoon. He found a spark on Minnesota's fourth offensive drive, notching 25 yards on his first three touches of the possession before coasting 28 yards on a fourth-down catch-and-run to provide the first of five Viking TDs. The 22-year-old closes the season with 434 rushing yards and two touchdowns over 96 attempts. He garnered double-digit carries Weeks 5, 6, 9 and 17, but otherwise only twice exceeded six rush attempts in a game. Given that Cook agreed to a five-year, $63 million extension with Minnesota in September, Mattison remains an elite insurance policy as he heads into his third year under contract in 2021.

Mattison (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison was out for Weeks 13 and 14 while he recovered from an appendectomy, and he then missed Week 16 while navigating the concussion protocol. He's now back for what likely will be his second start of the year, as Dalvin Cook will miss the game for personal reasons. Mattison managed just 30 total yards against Atlanta in his first start, but he draws an excellent matchup with the Lions in Week 17. Cook had 252 total yards and two scores when the Vikings beat the Lions in Week 9.

Mattison (concussion) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison maintained his same level of activity from Wednesday, suggesting he didn't make any further advancements through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. With a return to full activity Friday along with clearance from an independent neurologist, Mattison would still be able to put himself on a path to suit up for Sunday's season finale versus the Lions. If active for the contest, Mattison would likely be thrust into a lead role out of the backfield with star tailback Dalvin Cook (personal) having already been ruled out for the contest.

Mattison (concussion) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison's return to practice coincides with news that Dalvin Cook won't be able to play Week 17 as he tends to a personal matter. Of course, Mattison will have to work his way through the NFL's concussion protocol, but if he does, he's slated to lead the Vikings backfield Sunday in Detroit. Aside from Mattison, Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone are Minnesota's remaining available running backs.

Mattison (concussion) returned to practice Wednesday, putting him on track to start Sunday's game against Detroit in place of Dalvin Cook (personal), Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Between an appendectomy and now the concussion, Mattison has missed three of Minnesota's past four games. He'll have a nice chance to end the season on a high note if he's cleared from the concussion protocol, likely stepping in as the Vikings' lead back against a Lions defense that's given up the fourth-most rushing yards per game (135.5). The Vikings also have Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone in the backfield, but the two have combined for only 14 carries this season.

Mattison (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's game in New Orleans.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison sat out Weeks 13 and 14 due to an appendectomy, and upon his return this past Sunday against the Bears, he emerged from the contest with a concussion, which didn't allow him to practice this week. Until he does, he'll have made negligible progress through the protocol for head injuries. While Dalvin Cook will continue to lead the backfield, there may be some RB reps available for Ameer Abdullah, Mike Boone and C.J. Ham (quadriceps).

Mattison (concussion) missed practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

After missing two games due to an appendectomy, Mattison logged six snaps on offense and eight more on special teams en route to two touches for 15 yards from scrimmage Week 15 against the Bears. In the course of that contest, he suffered a concussion and now is subject to the protocol for head injuries before he can suit up again. Because the Vikings are operating on a short week with a Friday matchup with the Saints on tap, Mattison seems unlikely to play Week 16, especially with no practice reps yet under his belt.

Mattison (concussion) wasn't spotted at the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison was also listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's practice. The second-year back served as the top backup to Dalvin Cook in Week 15, but he suffered a concussion in the contest and will now need to clear the NFL's five-step protocol for head injuries before suiting up again. Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone could be needed as depth options Christmas Day against the Saints if Mattison is out for the contest.