Denver Broncos running back Stevan Ridley (4) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Vikings, who placed running back Dalvin Cook on injured reserve this morning, have a new back they hope will help fill the void in their running game left by Cook's absence.
The team signed running back Stevan Ridley, who spent the first four years of his career with the Patriots before playing with the Jets in 2015 and appearing in one game with the Falcons last year. Ridley spent training camp with the Broncos before being released in final roster cuts.
His best year with the Patriots came in 2012, when he ran for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns on 290 carries. Ridley gained 773 yards on 178 carries in 2013, scoring seven touchdowns. He fumbled four times in both seasons.
The Vikings had shown some interest in Ridley during free agency in 2015, and worked him out among a group of running backs on Tuesday. Now, he'll join a backfield that includes Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon, as the Vikings hope the 28-year-old can join a group to help them replace Cook's impact on their offense.
