Vikings 'anxious' to get Cordarrelle Patterson more involved

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson has acted primarily as a decoy through five games, and while it's clear he is frustrated with the role, he isn't about to rock the boat over his lack of touches.

Patterson told reporters Thursday that he is "not a drama queen" and "trusts everything that's going on in this offense and this organization," according to ESPN.com. However, he also joked that if things don't change, he may have to speak up.

Echoing the words of head coach Mike Zimmer, Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner stressed the importance of getting Patterson more involved in the offense.

"You want to get all your guys involved," Turner said. "I look back to two weeks ago, when Atlanta was very concerned and aware of Cordarrelle. They were concentrating on him a great deal. Jarius (Wright) had his best day, and obviously Teddy (Bridgewater) had a great day. To me, those things come around. There's things we've got in every week for Cordarrelle, and we're anxious to get him more involved." 

Patterson, the 29th overall pick of the 2013 draft, has 15 catches for 189 yards through five games. Despite his low numbers, Vikings coaches are pleased with Patterson's work habits and have seen progress in him.

"After the first game, he got a lot of attention," Turner said. "When we started moving him back in the backfield, people really got wide, and the runs he had are perimeter runs. But like I said, those things tend to come back around."