Minnesota Vikings Release Ben Tate

And then BOOM it was over. . .just like that.

Yes, a month after the Minnesota Vikings claimed running back Ben Tate off of waivers following his release by the Cleveland Browns, the Vikings have released him as well.

The thinking when the Vikings brought Tate in was that he was going to get an opportunity to get a few carries as part of a committee with Matt Asiata and Joe Banyard. That never really materialized for him, as his numbers for the Vikings consisted of just 13 carries for 38 yards while appearing in three games. He did not take the field during Sunday's 37-35 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

On the bright side, unless I'm misreading the information from Over the Cap incorrectly, the release of Tate will free up nearly $3 million in salary cap space for the Vikings this off-season. The Vikings had assumed Tate's contract by claiming him on waivers after his release by Cleveland, and his contract was set to run through next season. So the Vikings have that going for them, which is nice.

No word yet on how the Vikings will fill the newly-opened spot on their roster. If they want another running back, they have Dominique Williams on the practice squad. Once the team makes a move, we will have an update for you.