Minnesota Vikings Activate Young Running Back

While most of us are celebrating Christmas with loved ones, those inside the Minnesota Vikings organization — thanks to the NFL’s new partnership with Netflix — will be working, as they get set to host the Detroit Lions on Thursday afternoon.

We found out officially on Tuesday that JJ McCarthy — who injured his hand on Sunday against the Giants — has a hairline fracture and will not play against Detroit. That means Max Brosmer will get his second NFL start… which can’t go any worse than his first.

The former Gopher played pretty well, in one full half of relief, following McCarthy’s exit. Not only did he protect the football, but Brosmer completed 7 of his 9 passes and lead the MN Vikings on a last-minute drive that finished in a game-winning Will Reichard field goal.

Minnesota Vikings running back room receives reinforcements

But quarterback isn’t the only position behind center dealing with key injuries. In the running back room, both heads of Minnesota’s two-headed monster — Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason — are dealing with ankle injuries they suffered over the weekend vs New York.

That made the timing of Ty Chandler’s activation off the injured list — which came Tuesday afternoon — incredibly convenient, especially being that Minnesota’s 2022 5th round pick hasn’t played since week one, when he injured his knee in Chicago.

The #Vikings have activated RB Ty Chandler from injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/5jwNLnzfTf

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025

Not only will Ty Chandler, 27, help restock the Minnesota Vikings depth chart at running back, but he is a key figure on special teams, where he’s been one of several kick returners the team has cycled through since he was drafted.

Big couple of weeks for Ty Chandler and his football future

In total, Chandler has accrued 317 snaps on special teams during his four-year NFL career, and 472 on offense. If he could block better, who knows where Chandler would be on a fully-healthy Vikings depth chart.

Over his career, Ty Chandler has played 38 games in the NFL, racking up 164 rushing attempts for a total of 663 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has also caught 27 passes for another 201 yards.

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Chandler — who produced over 3,000 yards rushing and 30 total touchdowns in college between his time at Tennessee and North Carolina — is on the final year of his contract, meaning he has a lot riding on these next couple of games.