Young was thought to be in the mix for #2 running back before the start of the season, but as the preseason and early season unfolded, it became clear that Toby Gerhart was firmly established as the back-up behind Adrian Peterson.  Young spent much of this year deactivated, finally getting a chance to play during garbage time at the end of Sunday’s blow-out win over the Bills.

With the announcement of Booker’s imminent signing yesterday, Young’s fate seemed sealed.  The Vikings hope Booker can be the reliable third-down back Young never developed into.

Update: For whatever reason there was great confusion about Albert Young’s status this afternoon. The Vikings have no clarified matters by announcing that Albert Young was not waived, but was placed on IR.

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As you recall, the Vikings wanted Booker a couple of weeks ago, but were unwilling to cough up the $150,000 transfer fee demanded by the UFL.  But since then the UFL has dropped that transfer fee to $25,000, a more reasonable demand in the eyes of the Vikings.  Today, Leslie Frazier announced that Booker has been signed.

Another roster move is expected to be made later this afternoon to clear room for Booker.  Speculation is that Albert Young will be let go.

During his Monday presser, Frazier indicated the Booker move is mainly being made to help the Vikings in their third-down offense.  Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart have both been spotty this year in their third-down receiving and blocking.  Young has been a non-factor.  Booker has 33 receptions in two NFL seasons.

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Brad Childress was visibly annoyed at the lack of pass protection during his press conference after the game, and though he didn’t identify Tahi by name, you had a feeling the fullback would be spending some time in the doghouse.  Indeed, when the Vikings inactives were released today, Tahi was listed among the players not suiting up for this afternoon’s tilt with the Cowboys.

I hope Brad will at least let Tahi have a blanket out there in the doghouse, so he doesn’t get too cold.

As further proof of the Vikings’ concern over pass protection, Childress has also elected to activate Albert Young today after leaving him off the active list the last several games.  Young is generally seen as a better blocker than Toby Gerhart but a less effective runner.  Contrary to an initial report saying Gerhart would be inactive this week, both backs are in fact up for this game.

I’m not sure what these moves can tell us about the Vikings’ gameplan today, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of max-protection, multiple tight end formations like the ones used during the Saints game.  With any luck, the Vikes will be able to get Randy Moss downfield in some of these sets and hit some big plays.

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