Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon nearly recorded his first career touchdown in the 29-26 victory over Washington on Sunday.
The rookie plowed up the middle on a handoff and stretched as far as he could on the nine-yard gain but fell a yard short on the Vikings' first offensive drive in the second half.
"Arms weren't quite long enough, but it's all good," McKinnon said. "We still won, so that's the key focus."
McKinnon went back to the huddle after the play, though he likely knew the inevitable would happen. Running back Matt Asiata trotted onto the field to replace McKinnon the backfield, and the Vikings scored on the next play for one of Asiata's three touchdowns.
But McKinnon and the Vikings offensive line sprung the running game on that drive with consecutive gains of 15 and 9 yards before Asiata's touchdown. The Vikings had just seven carries for 14 yards in the first half but finished the second half with 20 carries for 86 yards.
"It was a good drive though to come out the second half. Washington they really have a lot of good run fits that first half. …We came out in the second half running pretty good. A lot of credit due to the [offensive line] just making those holes."
