Ben Tate is not having the season he was hoping for. The running back signed with the Cleveland Browns with the expectations of being the starter for 2014, but was released after two rookies took his place. Now he has signed on with the Minnesota Vikings to be a part of another crowded backfield and so far is not getting the playing time he has been vying for since being a backup for Arian Foster in Houston.
After getting picked up by Minnesota, Tate told reporters that he was ready to contribute immediately to the team. The Vikings had officially lost Adrian Peterson for the season and Tate was hoping to be that offensive spark right away.
"I've never been in this type of situation before," Tate said, via the Pioneer Press. "So just try to interact with everybody as much as I can and get to know everybody as much as I can so I can get comfortable and they can get comfortable with me faster. I've got to all focus on football and let everything else happen. Whatever I got to do outside of that is secondary. The first thing is making sure I understand my plays and just coming out here ready to go, full speed, and being ready to help in any aspect needed."
Tate has the best intentions, but right now they are not paying off. In his first game with the team against the Green Bay Packers, Tate did not get on the field and it could remain that way for the remainder of the season. While offensive coordinator Norv Turner was complimentary of Tate upon his arrival in Minnesota, Jerick McKinnon appears to be the favorite running back for the remainder of the season. With Matt Asiata on and off the field with injury, the starting role is McKinnon's job to lose.
"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."
Could Tate push for the backup job after getting more comfortable with the offense? For now, Joe Banyard is the leading contender to be the backup. He put up 26 yards on five carries against the Packers and Turner says he feels confident going forward with that tandem.
Minnesota needs a successful running rotation to take pressure off Teddy Bridgewater. The quarterback is struggling despite having some of the top wide receivers to work with and a balanced run game could ease the pain for the rookie. However, right now that does not include Tate.
