Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson gets a lot of carries, but he doesn't know much about being a three-down back. That's because he has spent the large majority of his career being replaced by the likes of Chester Taylor or Toby Gerhart on third down. He wants that to change this season, and he knows one of the most important ways to stay in on third down is to be a stellar receiver. According to Yahoo's Gil Alcaraz IV, Peterson showed "considerable improvement" at catching the ball during Friday's practice. But head coach Leslie Frazier knows it's still a work in progress. "He wants to be a better receiver coming out of the backfield," Frazier said of Peterson. "He wants to stay in on third down. In order to do that, you have to do what he did today, catch the football. So we'll see."

Fantasy Analysis:

Peterson isn't an awful receiver for a running back. He caught 43 and 36 passes, respectively, in past two years. More receptions would definitely up his fantasy value, but I'm not sure it would be in the Vikings' best interest. Even without that third-down work, Peterson has averaged more than 350 touches over the past three seasons. I think the team should continue to let Gerhart handle the third-down role if for no other reason than to just give Peterson a rest here and there. Otherwise, he could wear down over the course of the season.