Vikings sign former Gophers QB Leidner

Aug 21, 2017 - 12:45 AM The Minnesota Vikings signed former University of Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner on Sunday.

The 6-foot-3, 228-pound Leidner joins the Vikings as the team's fifth quarterback after not being selected in this year's draft. He attended the Baltimore Ravens' rookie minicamp but did not sign with the team.

Leidner, 23, completed his collegiate career at Minnesota ranked second in passing attempts (1,029) and completions (580), ranked third in passing yards (7,287) and fifth in passing touchdowns (36).

Quarterbacks Sam Bradford, Case Keenum and Taylor Heinicke played against the Seahawks on Friday night. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater remains on the physically unable to perform list after dislocating his left knee and tearing the ACL at the outset of training camp in 2016.

After the 20-13 loss against the Seahawks on Friday night, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was asked about the play of backup quarterbacks Keenum and Heinicke.

"We'll have to continue to look," Zimmer said. "I don't think anything is decided yet. We've still got some more time to figure it out."

Keenum was 12 of 18 for 70 yards and Heinicke was 6 of 9 for 84 yards with one touchdown and an interception against the Seahawks.

The Vikings have two more preseason games against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 27 and Miami Dolphins on Aug. 31

Leidner joins two fellow Golden Gophers, wide receiver Isaac Fruechte and cornerback Marcus Sherels, on the Vikings' roster.

Minnesota waived linebacker Darnell Sankey to create room for Leidner on the roster.