With three running backs on their injury report, the Vikings added some backfield depth on Saturday, signing tailback Joe Banyard from the practice squad.
While Vikings starting tailback Adrian Peterson is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Cincinnati, he appears on track to play after missing last week’s game vs. Philadelphia. Reserve running back Matt Asiata (ankle) is also questionable for Minnesota, with Toby Gerhart (hamstring) probable.
The 25-year-old Banyard played 23 snaps in the Vikings’ 48-30 win vs. the Eagles on December 15. The bulk of his work came on special teams, where he played 18 snaps. The Vikings waived Banyard on Monday but brought him back to the practice squad on Wednesday.
In addition to the promotion of Banyard, the Vikings signed defensive end Justin Trattou from the practice squad. Trattou, 25, appeared in five games for the Giants earlier this season, recording three tackles in the September 15 loss to Denver. He has been on the Vikings’ practice squad since November 4.
In corresponding transactions Saturday, the Vikings waived cornerback Robert Steeples and placed tight end John Carlson on injured reserve.