The Vikings announced this morning that they have brought back defensive end Justin Trattou and waived defensive back Shaun Prater.

Shorthanded at safety, the Vikings waived Trattou last week when they added Prater and promoted Anthony Harris from the practice squad.

Prater played seven snaps in Thursday's 23-20 loss to the Cardinals.

Trattou, meanwhile, was not claimed on waivers and did not join another team, perhaps because he knew the Vikings wanted to bring him back.

Today's moves suggest that at least one of the team's injured starting safeties, Harrison Smith or Andrew Sendejo, is close to returning to the lineup. Head coach Mike Zimmer said Friday that Sendejo seemed closer.