The Facts: McKinnon said he hasn't been cleared to resume training after lower back surgery, but he said he's feeling much better after having an operation three or four weeks ago and should be ready for the start of organized team activities in May.

Diehards Line: The rookie played two games after injuring his lower back while lifting weights at the team facility and was placed on injured reserve Dec. 6. He finished the season as the Vikings' second-leading rusher, with 538 yards on 113 carries, and caught another 27 passes for 135 yards. Running backs coach Kirby Wilson said Friday he thinks McKinnon can be a featured back in the NFL, and he could wind up as the Vikings' primary option -- or at least the top back in a group of ball carriers -- if Adrian Peterson doesn't return next season.