Don’t count out Tai Felton just yet.

The crazy fast Vikings receiver got worked into the mix for quite a few snaps during Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers. Part of the reason why is due to both of receiver Justin Jefferson (read more) and tight end Josh Oliver (read more) leaving with injuries. Last week, the Vikings turned to Myles Price to do the heavy lifting as a fill-in WR3. Not so in Week 3 against the Buccaneers.

Vikings Receiver Tai Felton Pushing for More Work

So much of what’s hindering a proper assessment of the Vikings’ receivers has been the quarterback play.

Now, not all of the modest passing can be put onto the individual players. Everybody would have struggled to complete passes in the Chicago rainstorm in Week 2. These conditions would tame just about anybody, so seeing a modest day of work from QB2 Carson Wentz isn’t the fault of QB2 Carson Wentz.

But then there’s another reality: the rhythm on offense hasn’t been very good. The main reason why has been due to the quarterbacks playing clunky football despite getting excellent support from the Brian Flores defense and Matt Daniels special teams.

Yet again, the passing attack wasn’t very good on Sunday. Part of what’s notable, though, is the basic workload distribution for the receivers (check out Pro Football Reference if you’re curious).

Check out the workload for Vikings’ receivers in the Week 3 Bucs game:

• Jordan Addison: 58 Snaps (98%)
• Jauan Jennings: 47 Snaps (80%)
• Tai Felton: 32 Snaps (54%)
• Justin Jefferson: 7 Snaps (12%)
• Myles Price: 4 Snaps (7%)

Again, consider a key point: Jefferson didn’t finish his day with 7 snaps due to playing poor football or anything like that. Rather, he suffered an ankle sprain that forced him out.

Note, as well, that missing Oliver means shifting more work onto Felton. Obviously, that’s not because the young receiver got tasked with being a blocking bully as a tight end. Instead, it’s due to Minnesota emphasizing 11 personnel a touch more due to not having the brawny tight end to send defenders into orbit.

Felton didn’t snag any catches. He did, however, demand a lot of work from within a day when Murray was clearly off. Can the speedy young lad continue earning nice playing time? Being a monster of a blocker would be the key to doing so.

As a gunner, Felton has proven to be physical and feisty. He’s aggressive out there, allowing him to use his long frame and elite speed to get himself directly over the returner with some regularity. Maybe some of that ability can get transferred to making some plays as a receiver.

Felton, 23, stands at 6’1″ and weighs roughly 185 pounds.