Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner clarified the team's backfield situation Thursday, and it was good news for rookie Jerick McKinnon. Turner said the team claimed running back Ben Tate because of injuries at the position and that Tate was not brought in to take McKinnon's job.
"Obviously, we're in a situation where [Wednesday] we had one back that could practice, so the timing of [Tate] being released and the opportunity for us to add a back, certainly it was good timing," Turner told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
"We're excited about Jerick and what he's done, and I see him as our running back," Turner added.
McKinnon did not practice Wednesday due to a back injury, but is expected to be fine for Sunday's game against the Packers. Running back Matt Asiata's status is in doubt after he suffered a concussion Week 11, Turner told the paper.