As we mentioned yesterday, Vikings running back Toby Gerhart suffered MCL damage after being hit by Major Wright in the season finale. This was sobering news considering fans of the Vikings are already wondering if Adrian Peterson’s knee injury will cause him to miss time in 2012.
Gerhart had a pretty positive message on Tuesday, however, and it sounds like he thinks surgery will be unnecessary for him.
“Swelling should go down with rest as my range of motion returns,” said Gerhart to the Pioneer Press.
This year, Gerhart saw more action than he previously had because of Peterson’s various injuries, but it may surprise some fans to learn he actually averaged more yard per carry than Peterson did.
Peterson averaged 4.7 yards per attempt while Gerhart ended the season at 4.9.
Of course, opposing defenses stacked less guys in the box with Gerhart standing in for Peterson, but he still showed some impressive ability to be an every down back. He ran for 531 yards and one touchdown this season. He also caught 23 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns.