McKinnon (back) returned to practice Tuesday and could have a large role in Thursday's preseason opener, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Adrian Peterson likely won't play Thursday as he's been typically rested in the preseason. It's not clear if McKinnon will play since he's been limited in practice with a sore back. Still, it sounds like McKinnon will get some extended time this preseason as the Vikings look to give him a larger role in the passing game and perhaps anoint him the team's third-down back.