Vikings add Patterson to practice squad

Neither player has played a snap for the Vikings this year. They’ll both look to catch on elsewhere.

Patterson was a depth option for LA last year, but his services were no longer needed with Keaton Mitchell in the mix on top of Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal. He could wind up on the team’s practice squad later this week. The Chargers also waived/released S Noah Avinger, LB Lander Barton, LS Peter Bowden, TE Jerand Bradley, OLB Andre Carter, DL Jahmeer Carter, WR Liam Clifford, LB Junior Colson, RB Gregory Desrosiers, S Devin Grant, DL Jacobian Guillory, WR JaQuae Jackson, WR Gary Jennings, RB Amar Johnson, LB Emany Johnson, C Josh Kaltenberger, TE Johnny Pascuzzi, S Myles Purchase, OLB Garmon Randolph, CB Nikko Reed, CB Eric Rogers, WR Devonte Ross, TE Evan Svoboda, OLB Nadame Tucker, QB DJ Uiagalelei, T Laekin Vakalahi, CB Isas Waxter, DL Terry Webb, WR Sincere Brown, WR Dalevon Campbell, OLB Kyle Kennard, and P JK Scott.

Terms weren’t immediately available, but it’s likely a minimum contract or close to it. Patterson managed a 41/159/1 line as Los Angeles’ No. 3 back last season and will attempt to reprise that role in 2026. This doesn’t give him a safe roster spot for next year, but it likely gives him an inside track at one.

Patterson operated as the Chargers’ No. 3 running back this season, rushing 41 times for 159 yards and one touchdown, and catching 3-of-4 targets for eight yards. He is a free agent this offseason. Patterson is unlikely to be a late-round fantasy target in 2026, but he could fill in as a rotational player for a team hit hard by injuries.

Vidal also caught a screen pass on fourth down, but immediately received a hard hit from Broncos CB Pat Surtain, losing two yards on the play. Chargers RB Jaret Patterson led the backfield with eight rushes for 29 yards and caught 3-of-4 targets for eight yards. Fellow backup RB Hassan Haskins rushed once for three yards. Vidal should operate as RB Omarion Hampton’s primary backup next week against the Patriots.

Vidal injured his neck in Week 16 and was unable to play in Week 17. He practiced throughout Week 18, including two full sessions to close the week. Forecasting Vidal’s role is difficult, with the Chargers declaring QB Justin Herbert, S Derwin James Jr., RB Omarion Hampton (ankle), S Elijah Molden (hamstring), OLB Tuli Tuipulotu, OT Jamaree Salyer (hamstring) and C Bradley Bozeman (concussion) inactive for Week 18 against the Broncos. The team is clearly trying to preserve its health for the postseason and Vidal has meaningfully contributed to the offense this season. While we tentatively expect him to start, RB Hassan Haskins (concussion) and RB Jaret Patterson could also be regularly involved. Patterson is the backfield’s lone fully healthy player.

Vidal could get the start this week with RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) sidelined by an ankle injury. The team could choose to preserve Vidal’s health for the postseason, though. Rotational RB Jaret Patterson is healthy and Hassan Haskins (concussion) remains limited.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters earlier this week that getting his injured players healthy is his priority. With two absences to begin the week, Hampton seems unlikely to play this week. It is unclear whether rotational backup Jaret Patterson will get the start. Chargers No. 2 RB Kimani Vidal (neck) upgraded to full today while RB Hassan Haskins (concussion) remains limited.

Chargers starting RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has only ruled out QB Justin Herbert (hand) thus far, though other starters could also be ruled out as the week progresses. Chargers No. 3 RB Hassan Haskins (concussion) was limited as well. Backup RB Jaret Patterson can be stashed by running back-needy fantasy managers.

Patterson deserves credit for fighting through contact en route to a two-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but his best play occurred on the Chargers’ fourth drive. Patterson ran to the right, through a crowded box, as Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby dove toward him and landed a clean punch on the football. The rock hardly moved in Patterson’s grip, and he continued on his way to a 22-yard gain, bringing the ball to the Raiders’ 15-yard line. Patterson can be stashed until RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) returns from injured reserve.