Vikings coach Mike Zimmer wasn't able to spell out his plan for how he'll use newcomer Ben Tate because, A, NFL coaches are smart enough not to reveal game plans to reporters and B, the running back had just finished his first practice as a Viking.

"I don't know yet," Zimmer said. "He practiced some today. He got some reps and was in the blitz pickup. He was in everything, so we'll see how fast he gets. It was a quick day for him."

Zimmer said the reason Tate was claimed off waivers from the Browns on Wednesday is the team's injury situation at running back, as well as the "finality of Adrian's thing," as in Adrian Peterson being suspended for the rest of the season on Tuesday.

The injury report will be out soon, but running backs Jerick McKinnon (lower back) and Matt Asiata (concussion) are on it. Zimmer said Asiata "is still going through" the league concussion protocol, which is required before returning to the field.

Tate shouldn't be too rusty. He fell out of favor in Cleveland quickly, but did play on Sunday, carrying the ball twice for minus-9 yards. Zimmer said Tate looked "pretty good" in today's practice.

"I didn't see him make any mental mistakes, so that's the first thing," Zimmer said. "He had a 50-yard run on me [in Cincinnati] about three or four years ago."

As for Tate's strengths, according to Zimmer, the coach said, "He's got good acceleration and he's a little bit more of a thumper. Pound it up in there."

As for how long it will take to know exactly what the heck he's doing, Zimmer said Tate will need a little time.

"It's a different system," Zimmer said. "So he has to learn the different runs and protections and pass route combinations. That's the big thing."

Zimmer also talked about holding receiver Greg Jennings (rib), defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee) and Asiata out of practice today. He said they're progressing, "Good, for the most part. I think they'll probably practice tomorrow."

Asked specifically about Floyd, Zimmer said, "He practiced some yesterday. He's just got a bruise. It's nothing serious."

Zimmer also gave left tackle Matt Kalil a pat on the back, saying, "He has been making strides. He's been working hard in practice and is continually working on the techniques he needs to be working at, keeping his base wide. So I think he's had a much better month."

(Start the angry Kalil emails in 3 … 2 … 1 …)

Zimmer and the Vikings also are preparing for rain on Sunday.

"It's hard to say when we don't know how much rain," Zimmer said. "But we have sections in the plan for all those scenarios."

And, yeah, Teddy Bridgewater will wear his gloves.

"He's been working that wet-ball drill all along," Zimmer said. "So we'll see."