Vikings sign linebacker Hardy Nickerson off practice squad

A day after placing linebacker Anthony Barr on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury, the Vikings added depth at the position Tuesday by signing Hardy Nickerson off the practice squad.

The Vikings also signed signed defensive back Nate Meadors, who was waived last Friday, to the practice squad, and protected kicker Chase McLaughlin on the practice squad.

Nickerson, a fourth-year veteran who is the son of former NFL star linebacker Hardy Nickerson Sr., made the Vikings’ initial 53-player roster on Sept. 5 before being waived on Sept. 6 and signed to the practice squad on Sept. 7. He was elevated off the practice squad for the Sept. 13 opener against Green Bay and was on the field for 14 players on special teams.

Nickerson will provide depth after Barr, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, suffered a torn right pectoral muscle in Sunday’s 28-11 loss at Indianapolis. Minnesota’s other linebackers are starters Eric Kendricks, Eric Wilson and Troy Dye, and reserve Ryan Connelly, an Eden Prairie native.

Meadors began the season on the practice squad before being signed Sept. 12 to the 53-man roster. He played 14 snaps on special teams against the Packers.

The Vikings protected McLaughlin for the third straight week. They can protect him just once more this season.