Minnesota Vikings claim RB Ben Tate off waivers

The Minnesota Vikings reportedly claimed running back Ben Tate off waivers on Wednesday.

The Minnesota Vikings claimed running back Ben Tate off waivers on Wednesday, the team announced. 

Tate was waived by the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday after signing a two-year, $6.2 million free-agent contract in March. In eight games this season, Tate was the Browns' third-leading rusher, gaining 333 yards and four touchdowns on 106 carries.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Vikings will owe Tate $352,941 in guaranteed base salary for 2014, plus $46,875 for each game that he is activated. His 2015 salary won't be guaranteed.

• Report: Vikings do not plan to trade or release Adrian Peterson

The Vikings waived tight end MarQueis Gray to make room for Tate. 

In Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, Tate rushed for a career-high 124 yards on 22 carries. The following week vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers he received 25 carries, but his touches proceeded to decline in every subsequent game.

After Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Houston Texans in which Tate received only two carries, he initially declined comment to reporters, saying, "Why do you want to talk to me? I didn't play a down."

The Vikings' running game ranks 12th at 117.0 rushing yards per game without Adrian Peterson, who was suspended for the remainder of the season on Tuesday for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. JerickMcKinnon leads Minnesota with 98 carries for 484 yards, while Matt Asiata has rushed 85 times for 279 yards and a team-high six touchdowns.

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- Mike Fiammetta