Vikings Signed Running Back Jaret Patterson
The Minnesota Vikings added veteran running back Jaret Patterson to the team's practice squad.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you support your local team signing depth players when starters are injured?
The Minnesota Vikings have signed 26-year-old running back Jaret Patterson to the practice squad. The roster addition provides depth for the club while starter Jordan Mason recovers from a thumb fracture.
Why it matters
The team requires additional reinforcement at the running back position due to the injury currently sidelining starter Jordan Mason. Patterson brings veteran experience to the Minnesota backfield during a critical point in the season.
Jaret Patterson joins the Vikings with 503 career rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns over his professional tenure. He previously recorded 13 receptions for 81 yards across his stints with the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers.
The players
Jaret Patterson
He is a 26-year-old running back who has played for the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jordan Mason
He is the Minnesota Vikings starting running back who is currently sidelined by a thumb fracture.
Minnesota Vikings
This professional American football team competes in the National Football League and is based in Minneapolis.
The details
The Minnesota Vikings moved to bolster their roster depth by bringing in Patterson following his most recent stint with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025. He previously played for the Washington Commanders between 2021 and 2022, where he accumulated 20 game appearances.
Timeline
Jaret Patterson played for the Washington Commanders starting in 2021.
Patterson played for the Los Angeles Chargers during 2025.
The Vikings announced the intent to sign Patterson on September 22, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This signing reflects the standard mid-season effort by the Vikings to maintain competitive depth during a year defined by injuries to key starters. The move aims to stabilize the backfield rotation while the coaching staff navigates the ongoing absence of primary playmakers.
Fantasy managers should monitor the situation, as the depth chart shift signals a continued reliance on committee-based backfield work while Mason is out. The team must now adjust its offensive snap distribution to accommodate Patterson alongside existing reserve options.
The takeaway
The addition of an experienced veteran like Patterson provides the Vikings with immediate depth necessary to endure physical attrition during the season. Teams often rely on such mid-year practice squad signings to ensure that core offensive schemes remain functional when starters face injury.
Further reading
For more on the current team roster and depth charts, visit Football.
Live Poll
Do you support your local team signing depth players when starters are injured?
