Vikings move on from Patterson, Ford

It was foreshadowed a bit that the Vikings would make some sort of transaction in this area after Aaron Jones took a huge workload in Week 2. We’re not sure if Patterson will instantly be up from the practice squad in Week 3, but he’s got enough NFL experience to be able to help if called upon.

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.

ESPN’s John Keim expects to hear an update on White tomorrow morning. Backup RB Jeremy McNichols is dealing with a quad injury and RB Jerome Ford (hamstring) was recently placed on injured reserve. As things currently stand, starting RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, rookie RBs Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry, and veteran RB Craig Reynolds are the four healthy players. Croskey-Merritt’s reported passing game improvements have come at the right time. Allen played well on a sizable preseason Week 1 workload. He might be in line for RB2 duties if White were to miss time.

No word on what the injury was; it’s possible Ford is released with an injury settlement and resurfaces elsewhere this year. Not being close to making the Commanders depth chart at running back is ... a bleak endorsement of Ford’s future prospects. He’ll look to catch on elsewhere.

Whether Croskey-Merritt can participate in the Commanders’ three-day mandatory minicamp, from June 16-18, is unknown. That said, Standig believes RB coach Anthony Lynn’s “positivity is notable.” Lynn thinks the team can take Croskey-Merritt’s game “to another level and get him potentially in the lead role.” To do this, Croskey-Merritt must take on more responsibility in the passing game this summer. Lynn adds that the young back’s “hands are very good, his movement skills are very good, and there’s no reason why he couldn’t win routes.” The staff is happy with its new-look backfield, but Standing writes that RBs Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols and Jerome Ford “are not high-volume playmaking threats,” like “Bill” is, and rookie RB Allen is still getting up to speed. Once Croskey-Merritt arrives, he must prove that he can meaningfully contribute as a receiver and as a pass protector. Doing so would unlock a fantasy-friendly role.

Ford had a successful run with the Browns from 2022 to 2025, with his best years coming in 2023 and 2024 when he rushed for a combined 308-1,378-7 while adding another 81-544-5 through the air. He was phased out of the offense in 2025 after the Browns added rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, but Ford could have a chance at seeing a more significant role in Washington. We’ll have more clarity on what Ford’s role could look like after the draft, where the Commanders could still opt to take an RB on Day 1 or Day 2, but he’ll make for an interesting late-round dart throw if he’s only competing for reps with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White.

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.