Petrino on Pinner

Bobby Petrino picked up a player who could have some insight into the Vikings' offense when he signed just-released running back Artose Pinner on Monday, but the first-year Falcons coach said there were other reasons.

"His physicalness, his ability to run the ball downhill," Petrino said during a morning conference call. "We're looking for a back that can help us in short-yardage, goal-line situations. Someone who's more physical than the two (backs) that we have carrying the ball for us right now. I liked his explosiveness."

Asked if Pinner could play Sunday, Petrino said: "There is a chance. We're trying to get him ready. We'll just see how (quickly) he can pick everything up."