Vikings confirm Cordarrelle Patterson is no longer in starting lineup as wide receiver

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson, right, runs from Carolina Panthers defensive end Wes Horton after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt) (The Associated Press)

Minnesota wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson's playing time has dwindled. He had only three snaps with the offense in the last game.

Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner confirmed Thursday that Charles Johnson has replaced Patterson as the starter at the "X'' position.

That doesn't mean Patterson won't still see meaningful action as a wide receiver, but the demotion was a startling development in a season that began with so much promise for the former first-round draft pick.

Patterson has 30 catches for 350 yards and one touchdown in 12 games this year.

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