MCT

It's almost as if Jerick McKinnon has two running backs coaches now.

One is Kirby Wilson, who has that title on the Vikings. The other is banished star Adrian Peterson.

McKinnon, a Minnesota rookie running back, said he's been getting regular advice from Peterson through text messages. Peterson, indicted Sept. 12 in Texas on a felony charge of child abuse, is on the NFL's exempt list and out indefinitely.

"He gives me advice and tips," McKinnon said. "Like, 'Just trust your natural ability, let your instincts kick in, be patient, let the game come to you.' Some great tips like that."

With four carries and four receptions the past two games, McKinnon hasn't had many chances to utilize Peterson's advice. But he's hoping that changes Sunday against Atlanta at TCF Bank Stadium.

Over the past two games, Matt Asiata has started at running back in place of Peterson and gained just 71 yards on 25 carries. McKinnon could be given a bigger role if Asiata remains ineffective.

"I would like to get some more reps," McKinnon said. "I'm feeling a lot more comfortable than when I first got here. Of course, there are things that I nitpick myself on, and the coaches correct me on, that I can do better. But I feel I can handle those things that an NFL back does."

McKinnon has just five carries for seven yards in the Vikings' three regular-season games; in the preseason, he ran for 108 yards on 22 attempts.

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said McKinnon still has a ways to go as he transitions from being an option quarterback at Georgia Southern. Whether he gets more carries, Zimmer said, is "up to Jerick."

"When he gets opportunities, he's got to do stuff with them," the coach said. "He's had good moments and bad moments; it's like a lot of rookies. But he's a good kid."

And a confident one. The third-round draft pick said he feels "no pressure" about perhaps playing a bigger role, and he vows to "make plays for the team."

It remains to be seen whether Peterson might return to the Vikings. In the meantime, McKinnon hopes the advice will keep coming.

"When a guy like that is giving you tips, you're always going to be open to it," McKinnon said. "You're going to take that stuff and soak it all in."