Sweeping Roster Changes for MN Vikings Amidst Injuries

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Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings knocked off the Chicago Bears in Week 1, thanks to a fourth quarter comeback orchestrated by J.J. McCarthy that displayed poise, maturity and awareness well beyond his years.

In week two’s initial simulated injury report, which came off of a Tuesday walkthrough, the Vikings listed six to eight starters, with varying degrees of participation. Even for that early in the week, there were a lot of names, many of them key contributors, like Harrison Smith, Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman, among others.

Vikings sign replacements with starters banged up

Unfortunately, Thursday’s roster moves present arguably an even greater cause for panic. The most notable move was former Gophers linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring) going on injured reserve, along with depth running back Ty Chandler, who also returns kicks. Both players will be available until week 6, at the soonest.

Cashman landing on injured reserve is an especially bad blow, but just as with Chandler, it wasn’t unexpected. On Wednesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell all but told us this would happen, when he met with media for the first time this week.

The former Gopher out of Eden Prairie underwent an MRI after Monday’s game that revealed a significant hamstring injury. He pulled up chasing down Caleb Williams in Week 1 and never returned to the game. Chandler’s injury (knee) was less noticeable, but obviously just as severe.

Meanwhile, the mysteriously sick Harrison Smith continues to ramp up in hopes of making his 2025 debut on Sunday night. The same can be said for Christian Darrisaw, as both veterans are expected back this weekend.

Vikings backfield and secondary dealing with lots of injuries

Zavier Scott, who looked to outplay Chandler during the preseason, could quickly step into the return game. Rookie Tai Felton has experience there, and Isaiah Rodgers is someone that has been previously mentioned as a fit too. Of course, including Rodgers on another unit with the cornerback room already thin would be a risk.

Jeff Okudah was carter off at the end of the game and is now in concussion protocol. Minnesota signed Tyrek Funderburk to the practice squad, but it would be veteran Fabian Moreau who is elevated if he needs to miss time. Realistically, four cornerbacks on the 53-man roster was always a problem waiting to happen.

The linebacker duties vacated by Blake Cashman will be difficult to make up. He wore the green dot and, despite his injuries, has been a strong player when healthy. Minnesota can turn to Eric Wilson or put Dallas Turner in an expanded role.

Related: MN Vikings Bludgeoned by Week 1 Injuries

Josh Oliver also missed practice on Wednesday, and veteran Nick Vannett being brought back makes sense. He’s a seven-year veteran and played in 17 games for the Titans last season. Oliver players behind T.J. Hockenson in more of a blocking role, and Vannett can assume that position as well.

There will never be a season in which injuries don’t happen in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings would have loved to see less of them in Week 1 despite the win. Now they’ll need to rally around the next man up.

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