Jerome Simpson's recent DWI arrest might be just the opening that talented rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson needs to finally crack the Minnesota Vikings' starting lineup.
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The local media expect Simpson to be benched in favor of Patterson after coach Leslie Frazier dropped hints throughout the week.
As Patterson received extended reps in this week's practice, Frazier confirmed that the rookie's stock is on the rise after playing a season-high 40 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 10.
"We intended to continue to get him more reps," Frazier said, via Fox Sports North. "You saw it in the Washington game and the prior week, we're trying to get him more reps. So, that was a part of the plan anyway, and it definitely will be a part of the plan now with some of the concerns that we have."
Although Frazier failed to follow through on a September pledge to increase Patterson's role, the Vikings coach is ready to do so now that the rookie has a better handle on route running and Bill Musgraves' offense.
Patterson has special ability with the ball in his hands, as evidenced by his NFL-leading 35.2-yard kickoff return average.
If he does draw the start opposite Greg Jennings, though, he's not going to have much room to run against the Seattle Seahawks' vaunted "Legion of Boom" secondary.
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