Devin

Aromashodu

Berrian was not listed on the injury report this week, so it appears the struggling ex-starter has been either benched or is facing team discipline. Devin Aromashodu is the third receiver now behind Percy Harvin and Michael Jenkins, but a mere desperation play in fantasy. The Vikes will also be without their top corner, Antoine Winfield (neck), as expected. The rest of their inactives: C Brandon Fusco, OL DeMarcus Love, DE D’Aundre Reed, LB Xavier Adibi and S Mistral Raymond.

With Bernard Berrian inactive, Aromashodu acted as the primary third receiver and was targeted five times. He had a bad drop on a rare accurate throw from Donovan McNabb along the sideline, but flashed his upside with a 60-yard catch in the second half. The Vikings should consider benching Berrian permanently in favor of Aromashodu, but it’s unclear if they plan to do so.

Michael Jenkins led Vikings wideouts with 45 snaps played, while Percy Harvin got 40 and Greg Camarillo 6. Aromashodu played in place of Bernard Berrian, catching two passes for 81 yards. The Vikings swear they’re committed to Berrian, so Aromashodu can’t expect quite as much playing time going forward.

Coach Leslie Frazier said Berrian’s benching had nothing to do with his Twitter spat involving a state lawmaker last week. “It was a disciplinary decision by me,” Frazier said. Considering his brutal on-field play, Berrian is in no position to be missing meetings. The Vikings should consider rolling with Devin Aromashodu as their No. 3 wideout going forward.

That’s 10 more snaps than Percy Harvin, for those keeping score at home. Berrian actually played his best game of the year, but still managed to embarrass himself with a horrible drop on a third-down play early in the game. Regardless, the Vikings obviously have no interest in benching Berrian and promoting Devin Aromashodu (21 snaps).

Aromashodu started in place of Bernard Berrian and did a convincing impression of the failed deep threat. The vertical routes were there with the Packers playing single safety on early downs, but Aromashodu was unable to take advantage. He’s not worthy of a roster spot until proven otherwise.

Aromashodu has intriguing size (6'2/201) and straight-line speed, but he’s a stiff route runner and struggles to get open. Still a veteran of Bill Musgrave’s scheme and an effective blocker, Aromashodu returns as a No. 4 receiver in Minnesota. He managed 26 receptions for 468 yards and one TD last season.

Aromashodu was targeted 10 times and had a couple key drops on deep balls. He was also barely overthrown by Joe Webb when open on a bomb in the fourth quarter. Aromashodu isn’t that talented, but he is playing every down and has 10 catches over the last two weeks. Desperate deep-leaguers can take a look heading into next week’s matchup with the Saints.

Aromashodu actually played more offensive snaps (676) than Percy Harvin (600), an indictment of the Vikings coaching staff. After struggling to catch the ball, run routes, and beat man coverage, Aromashodu seems unlikely to return to Minnesota in 2012.

He secured 2-of-7 targets. Aromashodu has taken over as the deep threat in Minnesota’s offense, but he’s struggled with efficiency in a struggling passing game. He’ll be a WR5/6 at best during fantasy championship week.