EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Running back Jerick McKinnon, who played with a lower back injury the last two weeks, will sit out Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

McKinnon didn't practice for a third consecutive day on Friday, and said trainers had told him he would sit out on Sunday. The injury, which McKinnon said occurred during a weightlifting session, hasn't limited him on game days, he said. It will keep the team's leading rusher out this week, however.

"I've played with greater pain before," he said. "I don't think it's something that affected the way I play. It's going to be hard not being out there Sunday."

The Vikings officially listed McKinnon as doubtful for Sunday's game. Coach Mike Zimmer would not talk about McKinnon's status, citing his new policy of not discussing injuries, but said the Vikings would dress four running backs on Sunday, including fullback Jerome Felton. That means running backs Matt Asiata, Joe Banyard and Ben Tate are all likely to be active on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

Banyard had five carries for 26 yards and caught another three passes for 19 yards last Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. He could be in line for a bigger role on Sunday.

"He extended drives, he caught the ball and extended drives and made plays," Zimmer said. "I thought he showed some juice getting to the perimeter a couple of plays and was explosive hitting holes. That’s kind of how he was in the preseason; he just hasn’t really had the opportunities. He will continue to get opportunities and hopefully he will continue to showcase his abilities."

The Vikings listed defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd as questionable with a knee injury, though Zimmer said Wednesday that Floyd would play against the Panthers. Tight end Chase Ford is also questionable with a foot injury.