If you're like me and millions of others who play Fantasy Football, then you probably had Cordarrelle Patterson as a likely breakout candidate on your draft board. A bigger version of Percy Harvin, Patterson has the type of explosiveness that can lead to scores from all over the field. He had six touchdowns coming from receptions and rushes in his last five games to close out his rookie year. The hype was supposed to be real.
But outside of a big week one performance this year, Patterson has been eerily quiet on the fantasy front. During Thursday night's game, he managed only two catches for eight yards and was forced to leave the game early with a hip injury. While the injury doesn't appear to be anything serious, Patterson's limited role in the offense does.
Offensive coordinator Norv Turner is usually one of the most fantasy friendly game planners for big talents such as Patterson. But Patterson has just 15 receptions for 189 yards on a measly 25 targets and only four total rushing attempts through five games. That is not the type of workload the second-year talent expected.
"I wish I knew the answer," Patterson told ESPN of his limited action so far. "I want to be more involved. I don't know what's going on. We have a plan. I'm sticking to the plan. I trust coach (Norv) Turner and the whole staff with what they're doing. It's going to turn around. Hopefully I get more touches."
"We've practiced getting carries," he added. "I guess we're just waiting on the right time. I'm not worried about it. When my number's called I'm ready for it. I'm just sitting back and being patient."
The way I see it, Patterson has too much skill not to be utilized more going forward. I expect this Vikings offense to improve once quarterback Teddy Bridgewater gets healthy again and that will lead to more opportunities for Patterson. Don't give up on him just yet. Remember, it wasn't until the last quarter or so of his rookie year that he really got rolling. Right now he is a viable buy-low candidate that could pay off big time later in the season.
