More Bad News on MN Vikings O-Line; Good News in Backfield

The Minnesota Vikings are on the road tonight against the Los Angeles Chargers to kickoff the Week 8 slate of NFL action. Carson Wentz has been named the starting quarterback, although it’s possible there could be a change in Week 9.

Unfortunately Wentz may be without key members of his protection unit. That could be troublesome for a quarterback already dealing with a shoulder issue. A return by Aaron Jones seems likely, but the team will need to formally activate him from injured reserve if that’s going to be the case.

Vikings and Chargers offensive line get opposite updates

There has been no unit for the Minnesota Vikings more in flux this season than the offensive line. The intended five starters have yet to begin a game together, and that won’t happen in Week 8 either. On the flip side, Minnesota native Joe Alt is likely to return as Justin Herbert’s blindside blocker for the Chargers. Ahead of the Thursday Night Football matchup, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided updates for both teams.

From @GMFB: Key injury updates for the #Vikings–#Chargers TNF game, with an emphasis on big-time offensive linemen. pic.twitter.com/RSAgqbkr1Z

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2025

“We will see if Joe Alt is able to get out there. Trey Pipkins, who’s dealing with a knee injury, also questionable. If he comes back that would mean almost their whole offensive line is going to be there. That would be a good thing for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Minnesota Vikings, they have some key injuries as well…A not welcomed situation on the injury report yesterday, Christian Darrisaw their stellar left tackle has missed some time at various points in his career. He played 70 plays this past Sunday, he reported some soreness, significant soreness on Wednesday. Short weeks are brutal, so they are going to check him out today and maybe even put him through a pre-game workout and see if Christian Darrisaw is able to go. Officially listed as questionable, that would be a big one as well.”

Ian Rapoport – Good Morning Football

If one team has their left tackle and the other does not, there’s a very significant advantage gained. Darrisaw missed the first two games of the season and has played in each of the previous four. He suffered a knee injury last year that required season-ending surgery, and needing to work through setbacks in the healing process is not unsurprising.

It was evident how much of a downgrade backup Justin Skule was filling in for Darrisaw, and if that’s what Carson Wentz is working with on Thursday night, things will be difficult. Brian O’Neill was also on the injury report this week, and while he should play, the MCL sprain he suffered certainly can be limiting.

The Vikings need competent quarterback play against the Chargers if they are going to pull out a road victory. It would be better for their pass rush if Los Angeles didn’t have one of their bookends as well. Both situations are worth monitoring.

Aaron Jones trending towards a return for Minnesota Vikings

Veteran running back Aaron Jones has missed four games with a hamstring injury. He had his 21-day practice window opened this week, and while short-week practices are largely fluff, Rapoport offered an update as to his game status.

“Aaron Jones their starting running back who has been on IR for a month, four games to be specific, with a hamstring injury. Returned to practice this week. is questionable, and at least has a realistic chance to be activated and play tonight. We will see if it’s actually going to happen, but at least he has got a shot.”

Ian Rapoport – Good Morning Football

Minnesota will certainly give this one away pregame. Jones would need to be activated to the 53-man roster, which would cause for a public move to be made.

In two games this season, Jones has 13 carries for 46 yards. He started ceding touches to Jordan Mason prior to the injury, and how they are utilized together remains to be seen. With differing skillsets, they can complement each other well.

The Vikings and Chargers kickoff from Los Angeles at 7:15 pm central time. A loss would put Minnesota under .500 for the first time this season.