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.

J.J. McCarthy is “not there yet” says coach Kevin O’Connell. He won’t square off against his college coach in what could have been a fun set of storylines this week. Minnesota native Joe Alt will get that opportunity though.

Joe Alt to return against Minnesota Vikings

The Los Angeles Chargers grabbed Minnesota native Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after a strong collegiate career with Notre Dame. Alt has been battling an ankle injury but intends to be out there Thursday night against his hometown team.

#Chargers LT Joe Alt was asked if we’ll see him Thursday night.

“That’s the plan.”

Said he’s taking it day by day but is pushing to play against the Vikings.

— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) October 22, 2025

Alt has been out since Week 4, and his return to the lineup would be a significant boost for quarterback Justin Herbert. Having his blindside blocker back in action is certainly a welcomed addition to the lineup.

Minnesota’s pass rush was expected to be a significant strength this season. With Andrew Van Ginkel constantly battling a neck injury, and Jonathan Greenard having just a single sack to his credit, that hasn’t been close to the case.

Dallas Turner and Greenard will likely pair on the edges again this week, and the tandem will have a more difficult path to the quarterback if Alt is in the starting lineup. Alt has the 9th-best overall grade (81.5) among tackles this season from Pro Football Focus. His 87.1 in pass blocking scenarios is 4th-best, and he has allowed just one sack.

Minnesota kicks off against the Chargers on Thursday Night Football at 7:15 pm central time. They need a win to avoid dropping below .500 for the first time this season.

Monday July 6th was a tough day for the University of Minnesota Gophers football and basketball teams. First, Stewartville (MN) High School’s Will Tschetter committed to the University of Michigan. He chose Michigan over Minnesota, Nebraska, and others. Then, Totino-Grace High School’s Joe Alt committed to Notre Dame. He chose Notre Dame over Minnesota, Iowa, and a handful of other schools in the Midwest.

BREAKING: Offensive tackle Joe Alt commits to #NotreDame.@CoachJeffQuinn, @BrianPolian and @T_Rees11 did a great job on this one.

Story: https://t.co/1XEZnFfEEK@JoeAlt7#IrishIllustrated@247Sports pic.twitter.com/oZbo3FWfXy

— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) July 6, 2020

Alt is the son of former University of Iowa and Kansas City Chief John Alt. The younger Alt was “heavily considering Iowa and Minnesota down the stretch and had great relationships with both of those coaching staffs” according to 247Sports. However, Alt decided to settle on Notre Dame after taking a virtual visit.

“One of the days was a lot about just seeing Notre Dame,” said the 6-7, 260-pounder. “It was a lot of videos showing the campus and everything. Part of that day was also coach Quinn sitting down and explaining his run game and pass game philosophies, blocking, and stuff like that. The second day, I sat down coach Polian and kind of just talked about the numbers and the history of Notre Dame and how you’re not just going to be an athlete, but you have to be a student-athlete.

Joe Alt via 247 Sports

Notre Dame Makes Late Impression

Despite not offering Alt until May 24th, Notre Dame made enough of an impression to persuade him to go to South Bend. Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri all offered Alt before Notre Dame swooped in. Alt is listed as the No. 34 offensive tackle nationally and No. 6 prospect in Minnesota from the class of 2021. Here’s what 247 Sports recruiting expert Allen Trieu had to say about him:

Very good blocker from that spot in high school. Bends and can get leverage and plays with a good base. Balanced and keeps his feet. Moves well laterally. With the transition to offensive tackle, he would need more pass blocking reps. It is not out of the question a school would use him as a big tight end, but his upside is much higher as an offensive tackle prospect. He will have the add the weight and strength, but once he does that, he could be a high-end tackle.

247 Sports Allen Trieu

Alt’s commitment to Notre Dame continues a below-average stretch for P.J Fleck and Co. In the past month-and-a-half, Minnesota has received four decommitments: Albert Regis, Sam Jackson, D’Marion Alexander, Tamarion Crumpley. Even with those decommitments, however, the Gophers still sit at 18th in 247Sports 2021 Team Rankings. P.J Fleck will now set his eyes on reeling in some more players to add to an already great class.

Carson Ruen | Minnesota Sports Fan