The Minnesota Vikings have added running back Ben Tate via waivers after he was released by the Cleveland Browns earlier this week, ESPN reported.
Minnesota will now owe Tate $352,941 in guaranteed base salary for the remainder of the 2014 season. Tate will also receive an additional $46,875 for each game that he is on the 46-man roster. Tate's 2015 salary is not guaranteed, though.
The Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts also put in waiver claims for Tate, but because of Minnesota's sub .500 record, they were awarded the running back's services.
Due to Adrian Peterson's absence, the Vikings have been relying on rookie Jerick McKinnon and third-year rusher Matt Asiata in the backfield. McKinnon, however, has been struggling with a lower back injury, and was unable to practice Wednesday. Asiata also missed practice due to a concussion.
McKinnon leads Minnesota this season with 484 rushing yards on an impressive 4.9 yards per carry average. Asiata, despite his 3.3 yards per carry average, has proven to be a valuable goal line back with six rushing touchdowns and one receiving score.
Tate's release came after a two-carry, minus-9 yards performance last weekend against the Houston Texans. He's averaged just 1.7 yards per rush over his last five games. Tate, who missed three games with injuries this year, was surpassed on the depth chart by Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell.
Tate signed a two-year deal worth up to $7 million in the off-season after impressing as Arian Foster's backup with the Texans for four seasons.
For fantasy purposes, this move obviously increases the value of West and Crowell, while McKinnon and Asiata owners have to be concerned. Rarely do three-back systems produce a quality, and more importantly, consistent fantasy player. West is probably the biggest beneficiary of this move as he has led the Browns in total carries over the last three weeks.
The Vikings will host the Green Bay Packers and their 29th ranked rushing defense this Sunday.
