Exactly. Assuming the coaches will be truly open-minded, I see it as a fluid situation.dead_poet wrote:I don't think he has to be either (used in a limited manner). But I just don't see where he's going to get meaningful, consistent snaps. At this point he might be lucky to get 20 per game. The question is, how will the Vikings choose to use him?
Even if Patterson starts the season getting 20 snaps per game, if he's making the most of those snaps, his role could easily (and rapidly) grow. After all, he's a very talented player with game-breaking potential and it's not like he's buried behind a group of all-pros on the depth chart. If he proves himself more reliable, and if Norv makes wise use of his skills, I'd like to believe think Patterson's opportunities will steadily increase.
Supposedly, he still has an opportunity to earn a starting role going into the season so who knows, if he has a good camp and preseason, he might be seeing way more than 20 snaps per game even in September.