McKinnon had six carries for 18 yards in Sunday's win over San Diego.

McKinnon got a few extra carries late amid a blowout win. McKinnon is going to have a small role in the offense as long as Adrian Peterson is healthy.

McKinnon (ankle) had three carries for six yards in Sunday's win over Detroit.

McKinnon played just nine snaps on offense as the Vikings didn't make a big effort to get him carries. McKinnon is likely going to have a small role off the bench as long as Adrian Peterson is healthy. McKinnon was bothered by a sore ankle last week in practice, but it didn't look like an issue Sunday.

McKinnon (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Lions.

McKinnon is in line to serve as the top understudy to Adrian Peterson, who figures to see a larger workload in Week 2 after the Vikings were forced to abandon the run game early in their Monday night loss to the 49ers. Even in limited opportunities Monday, McKinnon still demonstrated some good burst, finishing with three carries for 20 yards and two receptions. However, he won't make for a reasonable starting option in most fantasy leagues unless an injury sidelines Peterson for a game at some point down the road.

McKinnon (ankle) is probable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

McKinnon's ankle doesn't seem to be much of an issue, as he logged full practices throughout the week. Adrian Peterson only played 56.3 percent of the offensive snaps in a 20-3 Week 1 loss to the 49ers, but Matt Asiata surprisingly got more snaps than McKinnon. Although he's still the preferred handcuff by a long shot, McKinnon might split work with Asiata in the event of a Peterson injury.

McKinnon (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com reports.

The 49ers' front seven was stout in Monday's contest, containing Adrian Peterson to 31 yards on his 10 carries. Spelling the veteran in the second quarter, McKinnon turned three carries into 20 yards and two catches (on as many targets) into eight yards. Overall, Peterson picked up 36 of the Vikings' 64 offensive snaps, versus eight for McKinnon, so the latter likely doesn't have enough utility to act as much more than a handcuff to Peterson.

McKinnon had three carries for 20 yards and two receptions for eight yards in Monday's loss at San Francisco.

The Vikings made a point to give McKinnon caries in the second quarter to give Adrian Peterson some rest, so it looks like he could get regular work in the offense. However, that may not be enough for viable fantasy value in most formats unless Peterson is hurt.

McKinnon gained 10 yards on six carries and 27 yards on four receptions (four targets) in Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys.

Though he couldn't get anything going on the ground, McKinnon flashed his passing-game chops, which is probably more important. Adrian Peterson is obviously locked in as an early-down workhorse, but McKinnon is the clear top backup and could get a good chunk of the passing-down snaps.

McKinnon carried the ball 12 times for 25 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders. He also caught all three balls thrown his way for 27 yards.

The explosive runner was held in check on the ground Saturday, but his ability to contribute as a receiver was nice to see. McKinnon is unlikely to see a steady workload this season with Adrian Peterson back in the fold, but he appears set to serve as the Vikings' top backup, with Matt Asiata next in line on that front.

McKinnon gained two yards on two carries and 13 yards on one reception in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game against the Steelers.

McKinnon replaced Adrian Peterson in the starting lineup, but the second-year running back played just one series before handing things over to Matt Asiata for the rest of the first half. Peterson may not play at all this preseason, so McKinnon and Asiata figure to see plenty of work as they attempt to carve out backup roles.

McKinnon, who underwent offseason back surgery, was running at full speed in this week's OTAs, the team's official web site reports. "It feels great to be back out there with the guys and running at a good pace and not feeling any pain or anything like that," he said.

McKinnon took over as the starting running back last season after Adrian Peterson was suspended before suffering a season-ending back injury in Week 12. McKinnon will move to a reserve role with Adrian Peterson set to return for 2015, but he could carve out regular playing time as a third-down back.

McKinnon is fully recovered from the back injury that landed him on IR to finish the 2014 season, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Per the report, McKinnon, who the Vikings list at 5-9 and 208 pounds, is currently working to add upper-body strength and endurance, with an eye toward helping him better withstand the rigors of the NFL and to aid him as a pass protector. In any case, McKinnon's role (and fantasy upside) this coming season continues to largely hinge on Adrian Peterson's future with the team.

McKinnon, who underwent surgery to address the lower back issue that landed him on IR in this past December, is close to completing his post-surgery rehab, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The report indicates that McKinnon -- who recorded 538 rushing yards in 11 games this past season -- should finish up his post-surgery rehab program in a couple of weeks, with the running back relaying that he will be ready to participate in the Vikings' offseason workout program (which begins in April) without any limitations. McKinnon's role in his second NFL season, however, hinges largely on Adrian Peterson's future with the team.

McKinnon has been placed on injured reserve by the Vikings.

This will end McKinnon's season, with Matt Asiata and Ben Tate taking all of his carries. The third-round pick currently leads a patchwork Vikings running backs corps in carries, rushing yards, and yards per carry. For dynasty owners going forward, McKinnon's value directly rides on if Adrian Peterson returns for 2015.

McKinnon (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, the ESPN.

McKinnon did not practice all week after not playing last week. Matt Asiata will likely start with McKinnon out again with Ben Tate and Joe Banyard also getting some carries.

McKinnon (back) is not practicing again Friday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Matt Vensel reports.

Despite optimism earlier in the week, McKinnon looks like he's going to have to sit out again. We'll wait and see how the Vikings list him in their official designations, but Matt Asiata and Ben Tate are poised to carry the load at running back Sunday against the Jets.

McKinnon (back) did not participate in Thursday's practice, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Vikings were optimistic he'd return this week, but missing the first two days of practice isn't a good sign. Matt Asiata, Ben Tate, and Joe Banyard would likely split carries if he's out, in that order, again this week against the Jets.

McKinnon (back) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Vikings seem committed to ensure that McKinnon's lower back concern has subsided before allowing him to practice or play in a game. If he fails to take part in drills and garners another absence Sunday against the Jets, offensive coordinator has set a precedent with a pecking order of Matt Asiata, Ben Tate, and Joe Banyard, which employed in Week 13.

McKinnon (back) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Panthers.

As expected, McKinnon's lower back injury will force him to the sideline in Week 13. In his place, a combination of Matt Asiata (concussion), Ben Tate, and Joe Banyard are poised to power the Vikings' ground game.

McKinnon (back) says he will not play Sunday against Carolina, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

With McKinnon out it's not clear how the Vikings will distribute playing time at running back. It will likely be a committee between Ben Tate, Matt Asiata and Joe Banyard.

McKinnon (back) was not spotted at practice Friday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Matt Vansel reports.

McKinnon has been playing through the injury for a couple of weeks, but he has always practiced on Friday, so this absence is a notable - and discouraging - change. We'll update his status again after the Vikings release their official injury designations.