Vikings running back Matt Asiata was one of many reserves that started in the 48-30 win over the Eagles due to injuries.

Asiata had most of his family at the game to witness his three touchdown performance, but he was missing someone. His father, Pita, passed away on Oct. 28 in a bus accident, and Asiata left the team briefly to attend the funeral.

“My dream was to make it to the NFL, and I wish my dad was here to witness it,” Asiata said.

Due to injuries to running backs Adrian Peterson (foot) and Toby Gerhart (hamstring), Asiata had 30 carries for 51 yards. Asiata said he woke up at 7:30 a.m., two hours before he typically gets up on game day, due to butterflies. He became the first player in a first career start to rush for three or more touchdowns since former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

“I look at it as a blessing, just getting the opportunity to show the coaches what I can do and help this offense out,” Asiata said.

“Matt Asiata did a tremendous job today; he had three touchdowns,” quarterback Matt Cassel said. “He is a guy that works tremendously hard each and every day when he gets out there.”