Jerick McKinnon To Be Placed On Injured Reserve

In a season that has been one of transition for the Minnesota Vikings' offense, rookie running back Jerick McKinnon has provided a bright spot for the team. After being selected in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Vikings, McKinnon has rushed for over 100 yards twice on the season and currently leads the team with 538 rushing yards at a clip of nearly five yards per carry.

Unfortunately, that's where his numbers are going to stay for the season, as the team has announced that McKinnon is being placed on injured reserve because of the back issue that has kept him out of the past couple of games.

McKinnon told reporters a couple of weeks ago that he injured his back while he was working out, not because of anything that had happened on the field. He missed the Vikings' 31-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers, and had already been declared out for this Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

To fill the open spot on the roster, the Vikings brought up defensive end Justin Trattou from the practice squad. They also signed safety Ahmad Dixon to fill the empty spot on the practice squad.