The Minnesota Vikings have placed running back Ben Tate on waivers, the team announced.
Tate, claimed off of waivers in November after being waived by the Cleveland Browns, played in just three games for Minnesota, totaling 13 carries for 38 yards.
The veteran running back was among the top free agents at his position last offseason, signing with the Browns on a two-year pact that paid him up to $7 million. The Vikings were awarded Tate off of waivers ahead of both the Colts and Cardinals, who each attempted to claim him as well, according to a league source.
Tate will now once again be subject to waivers, meaning a team can claim him and absorb his contract. With no guaranteed money beyond this season, Tate represents a minimal injury risk.
The Vikings have relied on Matt Asiata at running back in recent weeks after putting rookie Jerick McKinnon on injured reserve due to a back injury. The team has also been without Adrian Peterson for all but one game this season, as he spent much of the season on the commissioner's exempt list before being suspended by the league following a plea deal reached in a case in which he was charged with misdemeanor assault of his 4-year-old son. McKinnon, a third-round pick out of Georgia Southern, stepped into a more prominent role thereafter.
Teams have until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday to put in a claim for Tate.