Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon the St. Paul Pioneer Press earlier this week that he wants to be the top back if Adrian Peterson is not back in Minnesota for the 2015 season.
"If A.P. comes back, there's no doubt he's going to be the starter," McKinnon said. "But it's not going to change my mind-set or how I approach things or how I work. Whatever they do, my mind-set is to come in and be that guy next year.
"There's no doubt in my mind I can last the season," McKinnon said. "If that's something I have to prove, that's not a big deal for me. I'll prove it this year. I'm just really excited to get back out there with my teammates and coaches and show how far I've come since surgery."
McKinnon, 22, underwent back surgery in early December that cut his rookie season short. In 2014, he rushed for 538 yards on 113 attempts through 11 games.