The Lions released Asiata on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Asiata would have provided a goal-line punch if he made the Lions' 53-man roster, but his performance in the preseason was lacking, to say least. Overall, he converted 27 carries into 66 yards and no touchdowns, while catching two of four passes for 14 yards. After a successful five-year run with the Vikings prior to this stint with the Lions, it wouldn't surprise if another organization gives Asiata a shot, perhaps as early as Week 1.

Asiata carried six times for 21 yards during the Lions' preseason loss to the Patriots on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Though he received a decent amount of work Friday, Asiata benefitted from Zach Zenner's (undisclosed) absence and wasn't particularly impressive in any right. He'll have one more chance to make a statement in the preseason finale this Thursday against the Bills.

Asiata rushed five times for 10 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Jets. He also caught one of two targets for nine yards.

EDGE Analysis

Asiata, who notably entered the game ahead of second-year RB Dwayne Washington, was effective in pass protection but looked to be his usual plodding self as a runner Saturday. He'll likely need to make a much larger impression in the third preseason game in order to unseat Washington for the No. 4 job, as Asiata's skillset is seemingly redundant with Zach Zenner, who sits at No. 3 on the depth chart.

Asiata's chances of making the final roster will depend on the health of the running backs ahead of him on the depth chart, Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Signed in late May to add veteran depth to a relatively young Lions backfield, Asiata is a jack of all trades but master of none; he's capable -- but not proficient -- in nearly all of the responsibilities that belong to a modern day NFL running back, including pass protection, catching balls out of the backfield and toting the rock. However, he's buried under Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick (wrist), Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington on the depth chart. There's a chance Detriot keeps five running backs on the 53-man roster in 2017 since they let go of fullback Michael Burton this offseason, but, as it stands, Asiata looks to be competing with fellow reserve Mike James to claim the potential No. 5 RB job.

Asiata agreed to a one-year contract with the Lions on Friday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Asiata, who spent the previous five seasons with the Vikings, will remain in the NFC North as a member of the Lions. The 29-year-old's best season in Minnesota came in 2014, when he tallied 882 total yards to go along with nine touchdowns. With Adrian Peterson sidelined much of 2016, Asiata managed a respectable 402 yards on 121 carries and six touchdowns. He will enter a crowded backfield in Detroit, so it remains to be seen if he will make the final roster. The team is likely looking for a bigger back to pair with the elusiveness of Ameer Abduallah and Theo Riddick to help control the time of possession.

Asiata had eight carries for 14 yards and three receptions for 31 yards on three targets in Sunday's win over Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Asiata had a productive season with 402 yards rushing, six touchdowns and 32 receptions for 263 yards. He worked as the goal-line back and the No. 2 running back most of the season with Adrian Peterson missing 13 games. His 3.3 yards per carry wasn't impressive, but he was running behind an injury-depleted offensive line and he's always been more of a sure-handed player than explosive back. He'll likely have a similar role in 2017, but much of his fantasy value depends on whether the Vikings bring back Adrian Peterson.

Asiata rushed six times for 34 yards and caught three of four targets for 30 yards in Saturday's loss to the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Asiata was expected to see an expanded role in the absence of Adrian Peterson (knee/groin), but Minnesota could never commit to the ground game while playing in catch-up mode most of the day. Furthermore, as the Packers are much stronger against the run than they are against the pass, Asiata's services simply weren't needed in the red zone because QB Sam Bradford was able to exploit the Green Bay secondary three times through the air. His outlook moving forward is contingent upon Peterson's health, but if his teammate sits, Asiata could be in store for a larger workload in the Vikings' regular season finale Week 17 against the Bears.

With teammate Adrian Peterson (knee/groin) ruled out, Asiata could be in store for an expanded role Saturday against the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Asiata played merely 12 snaps in Peterson's return from injury last weekend, but with the former MVP back on the sideline again Saturday, Asiata could enjoy a split of snaps with Jerick McKinnon at running back. Although his 3.3 yards per carry this season have left much to be desired, Asiata's six rushing touchdowns at least provide some fantasy upside.

Asiata (ankle) had just one reception for 20 yards and did not have a carry in Sunday's loss to Indianapolis.

EDGE Analysis

Asiata played just 12 snaps on offense as he became a clear third-string running back with Adrian Peterson back from a knee injury. Asiata may have been more of a factor if the Vikings had goal-line chances or were playing with a lead. Still, he's likely going to have a limited role with Peterson back.

Asiata (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's Week 15 tilt versus the Colts.

EDGE Analysis

The Vikings thus will deploy a three-headed backfield that will be helmed by the returning Adrian Peterson. Jerrick McKinnon and Asiata will presumably divvy up any leftover carries, the amount of which will largely depend on Peterson's durability and health during the contest.