With Peterson out, Vikings promote Banyard

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have made a move to compensate for Adrian Peterson's absence, by signing running back Joe Banyard to the roster from the practice squad.

To make room for Banyard, fullback Zach Line was waived Saturday. The Vikings play New England on Sunday, and team has said Peterson will be on the inactive list. The star running back was indicted Friday in Texas on a charge of injury to a child, for allegedly spanking one of his sons with a wooden switch.

Matt Asiata and rookie Jerick McKinnon are the two other backups to Peterson, with Asiata expected to start against the Patriots.

Banyard, undrafted out of Texas-El Paso, joined the Vikings in 2012 as a practice squad player. He spent three weeks on the active roster in 2013.

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