Vikings' run game remains productive when pass game fizzles

Vikings running back Alexander Mattison has rushed for 118 yards in his past two games, but he sprained his right ankle against the Raiders and his availability of Saturday’s game in Cincinnati is uncertain.The Vikings began their pursuit of a more efficient run game this offseason, picking Alexander Mattison over Dalvin Cook and giving contracts to blockers such as tight end Josh Oliver and fullback C.J. Ham, with the idea they could help Kirk Cousins.

An improved run game, so the thinking went, would keep the quarterback from facing as many long third-down situations where defenses could pressure him and open up more of Kevin O'Connell's playbook for Cousins on second downs where the…