With starting running back Adrian Peterson (foot) and backup running back Toby Gerhart (hamstring) both sidelined by injuries Week 15 against Philadelphia, Matt Asiata carried the load for the Vikings and made a surprising contribution in Fantasy, rushing for three touchdowns.
But come practice time Wednesday, he was the one on the sidelines with an ankle injury while Peterson and Gerhart both saw the field.
A Peterson return appears to be the most likely scenario for Week 16 at Cincinnati, so whichever of Gerhart and Asiata is active would simply be filling the backup role, with Gerhart getting priority. And if Peterson doesn't end up playing, you probably wouldn't want to start either, given the matchup. The Bengals rank fifth against the run, giving up 98.7 yards and 3.9 yards per carry, and have surrendered the fourth-fewest Fantasy points to running backs this season. The last time they allowed even 70 rushing yards to a player was in Week 9.
If you feel the need to handcuff Peterson, Gerhart is still the way to go. Despite the touchdowns, Asiata averaged just 1.7 yards per carry last week. If that's the best he could do against the Eagles, he doesn't stand a chance with this matchup.