Vikings Haven't Lost Confidence In Alexander Mattison

Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips deferred to head coach Kevin O'Connell on how the trade for running back Cam Akers could affect starter Alexander Mattison but also said, "we haven't lost confidence in Alex Mattison. I will say that." Mattison's poor start -- 19 carries for only 61 yards (3.2 yards per carry) -- had to factor into the decision to acquire Akers from the Los Angeles Rams. And the fact that nobody behind Mattison stood out in training camp or the preseason. The Vikings aren't suddenly going to go away from Mattison completely, but make no mistake, the trade for Akers isn't going to be good for his fantasy value in the long run during the 2023 season.