Nobody is suggesting Adrian Peterson truly can be replaced. Then again, here’s a stat that provides some measure of optimism for the Vikings.

In Peterson’s first 76 carries with Minnesota in 2007, he gained 383 yards. In Jerick McKinnon’s first 76 attempts as a rookie, he has 392 yards.

“That’s crazy,” McKinnon said. “I never would have known that.”

McKinnon has started the past three games at running back in place of Matt Asiata, who started the four games before that. The Vikings have needed a replacement with Peterson out of action since the regular-season opener following a September indictment in Texas on a felony charge of child abuse.

McKinnon has a rushing average of 5.2 yards per game, third in the NFL. Asiata is averaging 3.4.

That begs the question why McKinnon has never approached 20 carries in a game. Well, the third-round draft pick from Georgia Southern said he’s ready for that heading into Sunday’s game against Washington at TCF Bank Stadium.

“I would say so, but it’s not in my hands,” he said. “I’m not going to get stressed about it.”

For now, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says he doesn’t want to wear out McKinnon.

“I think we’ll still continue to have two backs,” Zimmer said Friday. “I think Jerick is doing a good job, but I don’t think we want to get him beat up, either.”

If Zimmer does decide to give McKinnon an increased workload, Sunday’s game could provide a good opportunity. The Redskins gave up 166 yards rushing Monday night at Dallas, with an average gain of 6.6 yards per carry.

Over the past five games, McKinnon has had two 100-yard efforts. During that stretch, he’s carried 71 times for 385 yards for an average of 5.4.

“I think I’ve done a pretty good job,” said McKinnon, who ran 16 times for 83 yards in Sunday’s 19-13 overtime victory at Tampa Bay. “But with me having high expectations for myself, I always want to be better.”

He’s been good enough so far for Minnesota’s often-maligned offensive line to enjoy watching him run. After all, in the first two games without Peterson, before McKinnon was much of a factor, the Vikings ran 41 times for 113 yards and a 2.8 average.

“He’s done a great job so far,” said center John Sullivan. “We like blocking for him.”

The word is Peterson also likes what he’s seen. McKinnon has exchanged texts with Peterson, who has offered advice.

“He said, ‘Just be patient and don’t rush anything and let the game come to you,’ ” McKinnon said.

It remains to be seen if Peterson ever plays again for the Vikings. At least McKinnon has been quite intriguing by starting his career with a better per-carry pace than the six-time Pro Bowl player.

If it somehow lasts, Vikings fans really will have reason to be excited.

After carrying 76 times in his first four NFL games, Peterson broke loose at Chicago for 224 yards on 20 attempts for a whopping average of 11.2. He had an NFL-record 296-yard effort against San Diego later that rookie season and finished with 1,341 yards and a 5.6 average.

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson.