Despite the addition of Ben Tate via waivers this week, rookie Jerick McKinnon remains the Minnesota Vikings starting running back, according to offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

Turner told the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Thursday that McKinnon, who returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday with a back injury, will lead the Vikings backfield against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

"We're excited about Jerick and what he's done and I see him as our running back,'' Turner told the Pioneer Press.

Vikings running back Matt Asiata is not currently expected to play against the Packers with a concussion, making Tate and Joe Banyard McKinnon's backups.

Tate was claimed off waivers by the Vikings on Tuesday after being released one day before by the Cleveland Browns.