Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart Released – Week 1 vs Tampa Bay
The Minnesota Vikings will play their first game of the 2023 season on Sunday (Noon) at US Bank Stadium vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Tuesday, the team released its first official depth chart of the season, leading up to week 1.
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart (Wk 1) – Offense
The Vikings return 8 of 11 starters on offense, led by (QB) Kirk Cousins, (WR) Justin Jefferson and newly extended (TE) TJ Hockenson. There really aren’t any surprises, on the offensive side of the football. TJ seems to have fully recovered from the “ear and back problems” that plagued him throughout training camp and preseason contract negotiations.
Jordan Addison isn’t labeled as a starter but I’d expect him to get most of the run, when the Vikings put three wide receivers on the field. It is interesting, however, that Addison and 2nd year receiver, Jalen Nailor were both listed as backups, while Brandon Powell was listed a notch below them.
| Pos | Starter(s) | Backups |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Kirk Cousins | Nick Mullens |
| RB | Alexander Mattison | Ty Chandler Myles Gaskin |
| FB | CJ Ham | |
| WR | Justin Jefferson KJ Osborn | Jordan Addison Jalen Nailor Brandon Powell* |
| TE | TJ Hockenson | Josh Oliver Johnny Mundt |
| LT | Christian Darrisaw | |
| RT | Brian O’Neill | Oli Udoh |
| LG | Ezra Cleveland | |
| RG | Ed Ingram | Blake Brandel |
| C | Garrett Bradbury | Austin Schlottmann |
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart (Wk 1) – Defense
There aren’t as many returning starters on defense, but the Vikings still return over half of their number one depth chart offense from 2022. Patrick Peterson has been replaced by Byron Murphy Jr, who will move inside when Minnesota goes to their nickel package.
Brian Asamoah Jr replaces Eric Kendricks, at inside linebacker. It’s not surprising to see him listed as a starter but questions were raised after he spent much of the preseason nursing injuries. Many thought Ivan Pace Jr would take Asamoah’s starting job. Instead, he’s the 4th linebacker listed, though he and Troy Dye are both listed as backups, not depth pieces.
One other surprise comes from the interior of the defensive line. Many thought Khyiris Tonga would man the middle of Brian Flores’ base 3-4 defense. Instead, Harrison Phillips will move inside to nose tackle. Jonathan Bullard and Dean Lowry will start at the defensive end positions.
| Pos | Starter(s) | Backups |
|---|---|---|
| DE | Jonathan Bullard Dean Lowry | |
| NT | Harrison Phillips | Khyiris Tonga |
| OLB | Danielle Hunter | Pat Jones II DJ Wonnum |
| LB | Brian Asamoah II Jordan Hicks | Troy Dye Ivan Pace Jr |
| CB | Akayleb Evans Byron Murphy Jr | Andrew Booth Jr Mekhi Blackmon Najee Thompson* |
| S | Camryn Bynum Harrison Smith | Lewis Cine Josh Metellus Theo Jackson* Jay Ward* |
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart (Wk 1) – Special Teams
The Vikings return all three specialists from last season, including (K) Greg Joseph, (P) Ryan Wright and (LS) Andrew DePaola. The mystery on who will return punts and kicks is also over. Ty Chandler gets the starting job as kick returner and veteran Brandon Powell will return punts.
| Pos | Starter(s) | Backups |
|---|---|---|
| K | Greg Joseph | |
| P | Ryan Wright | |
| LS | Andrew DePaola | |
| KR | Ty Chandler | Brandon Powell |
| PR | Brandon Powell |
A win in week one would go a long way toward success in the 2023 season. Tampa is expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year and the Viking schedule gets much more difficult after week one, including games against predicted playoff contenders the Eagles, Chargers and Chiefs in the first five weeks.
The Minnesota Vikings vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be broadcast on FOX-TV (Get 7-Day Free Fubo Subscription) and KFAN (Radio).
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