Joe Banyard. Charles Johnson. Shamar Stephen.

Three names the Vikings didn't exactly think they'd rely on in a game but, nevertheless, played important roles in 24-21 loss to the Packers on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium.

Johnson and Stephen both made their first career starts at wide receiver and defensive tackle. Johnson started over wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson and had a team-high 11 targets. The Packers seventh round pick in 2013 finished with three receptions for 52 yards and his first career touchdown reception, a 22-yard pass from rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

"It was exciting," Johnson said. "The team that drafted me I got my first catch on (in Week 5) and now I got my first touchdown on and my first start. It was pretty exciting for me but kind of overshadowed now that we lost.

"I know what type of player I can be, I know what type of player I am," Johnson said. "It's just all about opportunity. Hard work makes opportunity and creates your own success."

Stephen replaced defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, who was out with a knee injury, at the three-technique spot. The seventh rounder played a bigger role, rotating with defensive tackles Linval Joseph and Tom Johnson at the nose and three-technique positions.

"It was pretty good and exciting trying to come out trying to play my best," Stephen said. "Just doing my job and just commit to our gameplan; keying in on my fundamentals and technique."

Banyard didn't start and really didn't know what his role would be with the Vikings acquiring running back Ben Tate off waivers from the Browns on Wednesday. The second-year running back however served as rookie running back Jerick McKinnon's backup over Tate, who did not play.

Banyard finished with five carries for 26 yards and three catches for 19 yards, flashing some of the potential he displayed during the preseason.

"Collectively, we see ourselves as one group," Banyard said of the running backs. "So we don't really see ourselves as individuals. When the next guy is called up, we just try to encourage each other and make sure we stay on par. It doesn't really affect anything because we all practice together."