Ben Tate is going from one crowded backfield to another. The running back cannot seem to emerge out of the backup role despite his comments to the media saying he is ready to be a workhorse. He spent years playing behind Arian Foster with the Houston Texans. He signed with the Cleveland Browns, but was replaced by two rookies. Now he is with the Minnesota Vikings and once again farther down on the depth chart than he would prefer. The Vikings stress that while they made the move to bring in Tate, Jerick McKinnon is their starter.
Tate told reporters that he would lying if he said he was satisfied with how this season is turning out for him. The running back was under the impression the Browns signed him to be their starting running back, but that turned out to not be the case and after voicing his displeasure, the Browns released Tate where he was claimed by the Vikings. The running back said he had no expectations with his role in Minnesota and was simply hoping to play.
"I don't have a certain expectation or a certain this or that," Tate said, via ESPN.com. "I'm just trying to learn the playbook and give it 100 percent and try to do whatever I can to help this team win."
Tate joins a backfield that has the rookie McKinnon who is performing well and veteran Matt Asiata who is banged up after suffering a concussion. With the return of Adrian Peterson denied for the remainder of the year, the Vikings are moving on with the backs on the roster along with Tate. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has high hopes for what Tate can bring to the field, but stresses that McKinnon will remain the starter.
"We're excited about Jerick and what he's done and I see him as our running back," Turner said, via the Pioneer Press. "He's been limited in practice last week and couldn't practice [Wednesday]. So you got to protect yourself, obviously with Matt not being able to practice [Wednesday] and in doubt as to whether he'll play or not."
McKinnon will continue to get the majority of the handoffs. The running back has been limited in practice due to a lower back injury, but he is expected to be active in the team's next game. Tate could see the field during the game against the Green Bay Packers, but fantasy owners would be wise to drop him regardless.
