National Football League

Vikings bolster backfield, claim Ben Tate off waivers

Published Nov. 19, 2014 5:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Minnesota Vikings have claimed running back Ben Tate off waivers from the Cleveland Browns.

Tate was signed Wednesday, when running backs Matt Asiata (concussion) and Jerick McKinnon (lower back injury) both were held out of practice. The move also came the day after the NFL announced a suspension of running back Adrian Peterson for the rest of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Tate was the featured ball carrier for a while this season while he was healthy, but his playing time dwindled as rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West emerged. Tate signed as a free agent with the Browns after four years with the Houston Texans.

To make room for Tate, the Vikings waived tight end MarQueis Gray.