Denver Broncos

Vikings sign ex-Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman, place LT Matt Kalil on IR

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:11 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Minnesota Vikings have already begun to plan for Adrian Peterson’s lengthy absence after he undergoes surgery on Thursday. Unfortunately, he’s not the only top offensive player they’ll be without going forward.

On Wednesday, head coach Mike Zimmer announced that the Vikings have signed running back Ronnie Hillman and placed left tackle Matt Kalil on injured reserve.

Coach Zimmer announces the #Vikings have signed Ronnie Hillman.https://t.co/7bGt34fFAx pic.twitter.com/ltqCh1jrKW
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 21, 2016

Coach Zimmer announces that @AdrianPeterson is having surgery tomorrow and the #Vikings have placed Matt Kalil on IR.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 21, 2016

Hillman was last with the Broncos, spending four seasons in Denver since being drafted in the third round in 2012. He was released just before the start of the season and has been a free agent since then. Last season, he rushed for 863 yards on 207 carries in 16 games (10 starts).

Despite the signing of Hillman, Zimmer will stick with Jerrick McKinnon as the starter with Hillman likely needing time to get up to speed.

As for Kalil, the former fourth overall pick is eligible to return after eight weeks, should the Vikings place the short-term designation on him when the time comes. If the Vikings elect to place Peterson on IR, too, they’ll only be able to activate one of them again this season.

T.J. Clemmings will likely slide over from right tackle to the left side in Kalil’s place. It’s not an ideal situation, especially on the heels of Peterson’s injury, but the Vikings have the pieces to make it work.