With Adrian Peterson deactivated, the Minnesota Vikings will head into their matchup with the New England Patriots with a backup leading the way.
NFL Media's Stacey Dales reported Saturday that running back Matt Asiata will start Sunday's game, according to a source close to the team. Rookie Jerick McKinnon is the primary backup.
The Vikings previously deactivated Peterson for Sunday's matchup after the veteran was indicted on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child.
The 27-year-old Asiata has 49 career carries for 185 yards (3.8 average) in three years. Starting in place of Peterson in one game last season, Asiata had one of the oddest statlines you'll ever see: 30 carries for 51 yards (1.7 average) and three touchdowns.
The Vikings also signed running back Joe Banyard from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday, the team announced.
Banyard was a Vikings' practice squad player since 2012 and spent most of 2013 on the practice team. He was activated the final three weeks last season. He has one career catch for 11 yards.
Minnesota waived FB Zach Line to make room on the 53-man roster.
The latest "Around The NFL Podcast" recaps the Steelers-Ravens game and previews the other 15 games in Week 2.
