Joe

Banyard

Banyard (5-11/213) was waived by Jacksonville last month after going undrafted out of UTEP. He rushed for 867 yards with six TDs on 127 carries as a senior. Although Banyard impressed at last week’s tryout, he’s an extreme long shot to make the final roster.

Undrafted Elon ILB Joshua Jones was signed in a corresponding move. An undrafted free agent out of UTEP, Banyard never had a chance of cracking the Jaguars’ 53.

After an impressive offseason, Toon quickly fell behind Adrian Arrington, Joseph Morgan and Courtney Roby while dealing with a foot injury in training camp. Toon will have a shot at the No. 3 or 4 receiver role next season after red-shirting as a rookie.

Banyard was signed as an undrafted free agent out of UTEP by the Jaguars in April but was waived then signed by New Orleans in June. Even if healthy, he was an extreme long shot to make the Saints’ 53-man roster.

Banyard had a nice preseason, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries (5.2 YPC). It wasn’t enough to beat out Matt Asiata for No. 3 duties.

OT Mike Remmers was signed in a corresponding roster move. It’s a sign the Vikings indeed expect Adrian Peterson (foot) back for Week 16. Banyard didn’t touch the ball in Sunday’s win over the Eagles.

Peterson was pulled out of the loss at Cincy last week due to his dual injuries. He said he was OK with that and added that his body is “just not responding” right now. It would be a surprise if Peterson or Gerhart played in Sunday’s meaningless finale against the Lions, leaving Joe Banyard to start.

It’s a story worth monitoring for owners playing into Week 17. Adrian Peterson (foot, groin) appears likely to sit, so Gerhart could be in for a big workload. The concern is that his hamstring won’t be able to hold up in a game. Gerhart aggravated the pull on the third play of the Week 16 loss to the Bengals and never returned, leaving Joe Banyard to carry the mail.

It’s a sign that either Adrian Peterson (foot) or Toby Gerhart (hamstring) won’t play this week. Banyard will provide insurance with Matt Asiata the only other healthy running back on the Vikings’ roster.

He’s Week 17 insurance with T.J. Yeldon (ankle) on injured reserve.