A potential replacement of RB Alexander Mattison is currently pushing for his lakers job..

MINNEAPOLIS — Just one year after signing a new deal with the Minnesota Vikings, running back Alexander Mattison has been released.

Mattison, drafted by the team in 2019, stepped in as the starting RB last season after the team released Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook.

The release comes at a time when the Vikings heavily favor the passing attack. Mattison’s overall performance last season was lackluster and he would end the 17-game stretch with zero rushing touchdowns and an average of 3.9 yards per carry.

The release certainly brings about questions regarding the position. Who will be the next starting RB for the Vikings?

The Vikings do have a potential starter in Ty Chandler, who showed explosiveness when given the chance last season. At the same time, the team may want to look to free agency to find a surefire starter — complementing whoever they go with at quarterback.

Mattison took over starting duties last season following the departure of Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook, whom the Vikings released to gain $9 million in cap space. The move made enough sense at the time. Cook was a perennial 1,000-yard rusher, but teams love to save at the running back position and Mattison had been solid in four seasons as Cook’s backup.

Mattison was primed for bell cow duties in the Vikings backfield, but he struggled to provide a consistent rushing threat. He averaged only 3.7 yards per rush in his first eight games and failed to score a touchdown on the ground the entire season.