ty chandler News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/ty-chandler/ Minnesota sports, but different Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:24:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-cropped-MSF-favicon-1.jpg ty chandler News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/ty-chandler/ 32 32 MN Vikings Lineman Misses Practice Again https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/christian-darrisaw-misses-second-straight-practice-week-15/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:31:40 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=75110 Throughout their 5-8 season, the Minnesota Vikings have dealt with one persistent issue: the offensive line simply can’t stay healthy. Despite playing 13 games, the team has had its full starting offensive line together only twice.

Christian Darrisaw, still working his way back to full strength after last year’s season-ending knee surgery, continues to be a weekly question mark. He was a game-time decision last week against the Washington Commanders, and his availability is once again in doubt.

Christian Darrisaw’s Availability Looks Murky

The Vikings held their first full practice of the week on Wednesday, and Darrisaw was listed as “DNP” because of his knee. Had he returned to the field Thursday, there would have been less cause for concern. Instead, he logged a second straight did not practice designation.

Darrisaw has already missed three games this season, and the ongoing weekly maintenance of his knee has been a constant storyline. Seeing the starting left tackle take a step backward health-wise would be disappointing, but Minnesota is also not in a position where pushing him onto the field makes sense.

Developing J.J. McCarthy remains the Vikings’ primary focus for the rest of the year, and the health of his offensive line directly affects that. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah invested heavily in the group this offseason, only to watch injuries derail those plans.

There was some good news, though: Donovan Jackson, Theo Jackson, and Levi Drake Rodriguez were all upgraded to full participants. After sitting out Wednesday, T.J. Hockenson returned in a limited capacity. Ty Chandler also appears on track to return for Sunday’s game.

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:24:41 +0000 Minnesota Vikings First Week 15 Vikings Injury Report Littered with Veterans https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/week-15-initial-injury-report-christian-darrisaw-out-ty-chandler-back/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:48:05 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=74991 As the weeks roll on, the Minnesota Vikings continue to add names to the injury report. While many of those players haven’t actually haven’t missed games, early-week practices have regularly featured a long list of sidelined veterans.

After shutting out a struggling Washington Commanders team last weekend, the Vikings now turn their attention to the Dallas Cowboys. Kevin O’Connell will be looking for his team to build on that momentum, though getting healthier as the week progresses would certainly help.

Everyone on Vikings Injury Report

Ahead of the Week 15 matchup with Dallas, Minnesota’s first injury report of the week listed a whopping 15 players. Fortunately, only two of those players were unable to participate in practice.

Six players were listed as limited for rest-related reasons. One notable absence was Christian Darrisaw, who did not participate Wednesday despite playing on Sunday. He continues to manage recovery from the knee injury he suffered last season.

T.J. Hockenson was added to the injury report with a shin issue. His inclusion is new, and he has not miss a game this season. Still, his production has fallen short of expectations. Hockenson has just 370 receiving yards and three touchdowns this year, compared to 455 yards in 2024, despite appearing in only 10 games. It remains possible the Vikings could ultimately move on from the veteran tight end.

Ty Chandler, who has been sidelined since Week 1, had his 21-day practice window opened last week. Although he was unable to participate then, he opened this week with a full practice, putting him on track to return.

It’s also encouraging that starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy does not carry an injury designation.

Minnesota faces playoff elimination with a loss this weekend. At 5-8, the odds are already slim, making it increasingly likely that building momentum and evaluating pieces for 2026 should be the primary focus moving forward.

]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:07:32 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Vikings HC Reveals Some Good O-Line News, Some Bad https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/donovan-jackson-christian-darrisaw-ty-chandler-week-14-injury-updates/ Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:37:00 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=74095 Although the Minnesota Vikings season is effectively over at 4-8, they still have five games to left play. It appears J.J. McCarthy will be back under center this weekend after Max Brosmer’s disastrous debut. Unfortunately, injury concerns continue to shape Kevin O’Connell’s season.

Last weekend, the Vikings were once again without their full complement of starting offensive linemen, a recurring problem. Unfortunately it looks like that trend could continue on Sunday, even though some offensive firepower may return.

Offensive line remains a question for MN Vikings

Both Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson have been question marks since leaving the game against Green Bay. Jackson didn’t play last weekend against the Seattle Seahawks, and both players will have designations worth monitoring this week.

“Donovan is not quite there yet from a standpoint of participating in practice, but he’s rapidly recovering and doing everything in his power to be on the field. It’s been awesome to see, and we’ll see how that works towards the end of the week. He’s proven, coming off the wrist surgery earlier this year, he can go out there and play at a pretty high level if he can get to that place where he’s stable and has the power and change of direction. Like I said Monday, the plan for Christian is to have his normal work week and flow and play in the football game.”

Kevin O’Connell

There is good news: O’Connell believes Darrisaw will play Sunday. The talented left tackle missed the Seahawks game and has played in just nine contests this season. There seems to be less optimisim, however, that Jackson will be able to suit up.

The Vikings selected Jackson 24th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. His on-field performance has been something of a mixed bag, and like Darrisaw, he has appeared in only nine games. If quarterback J.J. McCarthy is going to succeed, doing so behind a healthy offensive line will be a critical part of the equation.

Outside of the offensive line, O’Connell also noted that the 21-day practice window would be opened for runningback Ty Chandler. Chandler has been out since Week 1 and can add a spark on offense and special teams.

Chandler fell out of favor in the offensive rotation, but he returned three kicks for 84 yards in the season opener, including the critical late-game return that sealed Minnesota’s win over the Chicago Bears.

He may have lost the job to rookie Myles Price, though Price has made costly mistakes in recent weeks. Chandler could have an opportunity to reclaim his role down the stretch. This is the final year of his rookie contract, after he was drafted in the fifth round in 2022.

Joaquin Davis, a rookie wide receiver released by the Denver Broncos in August, has been added to the practice squad to provide depth after Adam Thielen’s departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:46:47 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings Lose Key Starters for Sunday Night Football https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/week-2-injury-report-darrisaw-van-ginkel-okudah-out/ Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:28:30 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=68297 The Minnesota Vikings injury report has been a mess over the last few days, in the wake of their Week 1 victory against the Chicago Bears. While Kevin O’Connell’s team won the game, the roster took some serious body blows.

While Friday brought renewed hope with an additional day of practice, the game designations for multiple starters has been clarified. Unfortunately, the outcomes are not positive.

Defense loses two starters for MN Vikings

Last week Christian Darrisaw worked out pregame with a desire to be back on the field. Ultimately he was announced as out. Even now, the additional week of practice won’t give him time to get ready as he’ll miss a second straight game. This time, he’s being joined by starting defenders Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah.

Okudah has been talked up all throughout training camp and operated as a starter during Week 1. He was carted off at the end of the game and is now in concussion protocol.

The Vikings cornerback depth was already incredibly thin, and now the 53-man roster has just three players at the position. Fabian Moreau is on the practice squad. The veteran played multiple games for the Minnesota Vikings last year so an elevation for him makes sense.

The Vikings front seven has been the key to the defense thus far. Van Ginkel being removed from that group is a significant blow. Like Okudah, he too is progressing through concussion protocol.

That will force Dallas Turner to step up in a big way. With Blake Cashman going on injured reserve yesterday, the linebacker position and edge rushing group is now in quite a state of flux.

McCarthy back at Minnesota Vikings practice

Thursday J.J. McCarthy missed practice for the Vikings as he and his fiance, Katya Kuropas, welcomed their baby boy to the world. While O’Connell is constantly providing great messaging for his young leader, he did have some words of wisdom for him to take to the hospital

Not only will McCarthy be under center to reprise his award-winning performance from Week 1 on Sunday Night, but now he’ll be doing it with the added benefit of dad strength.

Veterans are key for Vikings on Sunday

It remains to be seen if Harrison Smith can go Sunday night. He has been out with an undisclosed illness, and it sounds as though the hurdle now is conditioning. His presence on the back end of the defense would be a boost to the group, and help to mitigate the cornerback situation.

Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly did go into the medical tent on Monday night, but he has no injury designation and will be good to go.

Ty Chandler was also placed on injured reserve earlier this week, meaning Myles Price will have increased return duties. Undrafted rookie running back Zavier Scott could also see some action there.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Wasted No Time Delivering Legendary Message

The Vikings are set to square off against the Atlanta Falcons in a second-straight primetime game. J.J. McCarthy will battle against Michael Penix Jr. and look to best him as he did during the National Championship two years ago.

]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:37:16 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Sweeping Roster Changes for MN Vikings Amidst Injuries https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/week-2-injury-report-free-agents-signings/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:45:57 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=68273 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.

]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:57:50 +0000 Minnesota Vikings MN Vikings Bludgeoned by Week 1 Injuries https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/injury-report-week-two-van-ginkel-okudah-cashman-chandler-smith-darrisaw-concerns/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:45:16 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=68223 The Minnesota Vikings showed a serious level of resolve in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Trailing by 11 in the third quarter, they ripped off 21 unanswered points and held on to win 27-24.

That performance by J.J. McCarthy was the stuff of legend. He stepped in and showed maturity well beyond his years. It’s something that head coach Kevin O’Connell will look to parlay into more success this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, the victory didn’t come without sacrifice.

Veteran safety Harrison Smith practiced last week, as did left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Neither star player, however, got enough lead up time on the practice field to make it onto the active roster for Monday’s opener.

Smith’s health problems stem back to some sort of mysterious illness that we still haven’t gotten any details on. Darrisaw has been trending positively for weeks, but was held out of action too.

Multiple Vikings in danger of missing additional time

Unfortunately, it was the new names that hit Minnesota’s injury report on Wednesday. Neither Blake Cashman or Ty Chandler will play this week. Jeff Okudah and Andrew Van Ginkel are both in concussion protocol.

We knew that Cashman was injured during the game. He was in pursuit of Caleb Williams and appeared to come up lame. He then went to the medical tent and remained out of action the rest of the way. It sounds like the injury is a substantial one, and that’s tough for a guy who has missed so much time over his career.

Jeff Okudah was carted to the locker room after the game. Minnesota’s non-existent cornerback depth would drop to just three players if he is unable to go.

Related: JJ McCarthy’s Legendary Moment in Vikings Huddle Shook Teammates, Sparked Comeback

Andrew Van Ginkel played 61-of-67 defensive snaps on Monday night and was the fifth-highest graded defender on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster. He nearly had a pick-six on a tipped pass and was flying everywhere.

Where or when he sustained a possible concussion is uncertain. Minnesota has a short week having played Monday night, and they’ll need to hope that some of these players return to practice as the week goes on.

Injury report made official for Minnesota

Minnesota did not actually practice on Wednesday, but instead held a walkthrough, which requires a simulated injury report where teams must reveal whether or not a player would have practiced, had a practice been held.

Oftentimes, especially under head coach Kevin O’Connell, early-week practice reports have more names on them than those later in the week. Football is a tough sport, at the end of the day.

After revealing some of the more severe injuries coming out of week one, KOC hinted at other players being listed with (hopefully less-demonstrative) health issues of their own: “we’ve got some other guys dealing with bumps and bruises that may show up on the injury report”.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Rookie Dominates in Debut

It didn’t stop the injury report from being a gauntlet of a who’s who. O’Connell indicated that the players he didn’t mention earlier weren’t as much of a concern. Those additions, judging from his tone in the video above, are more precautionary and trying to overstate the situation.

Thursday’s injury report will be telling, and Friday could be damning. We know that there are a few names included who are for sure going to miss serious time. We need to know that there are others who will be ready to rock when kickoff comes at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday night.

]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:01:03 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Injury Could Allow Vikings Speed Back to Keep His Roster Spot https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/zavier-scott-injury-ty-chandler-roster-spot/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:35:21 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=67328 The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their preseason schedule on Friday night against the Tennessee Titans. From that tilt the team decided Max Brosmer was going to make the roster and that they needed to secure a QB2.

There are more roster decisions to be made and the 53-man deadline is August 26 at 3pm CDT. So far Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have made 11 cuts. They still have 26 more to go.

Things have looked bleak for running back Ty Chandler virtually all preseason, but an injury may help pave the way to a roster spot.

Ty Chandler may stick with Minnesota Vikings after all

Aaron Jones returned to lead the backfield. Minnesota traded for Jordan Mason to provide a solid tandem. Ty Chandler checks in third on the depth chart, but he’s failed to cement his role for some time now. Outside of acting as a return man, there just wasn’t much reason to believe he’d be around.

This preseason Zavier Scott has looked like the best backup runner on the Minnesota Vikings roster. It appears O’Connell has tipped his hand in that direction as well. Unfortunately he didn’t make it through the Tennessee game unscathed and the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling wonders if that doesn’t open a door for Chandler.

Scott carried 22 times in the preseason and gained 96 yards, while Ty Chandler carried only eight times for 17 yards. Chandler didn’t play Friday night and Scott left with an ankle injury, so the Vikings could put Scott on injured reserve to start the year and keep Chandler if they don’t believe Scott is healthy enough for Week 1.

Star Tribune

On one hand it’s painfully obvious that Goessling believes Chandler is not long for this roster. On the other, this would be a way for Minnesota to keep both backs around for the short term.

Scott showed serious burst and operated well in open space for the Vikings this preseason. He was undrafted and worked last season on Minnesota’s practice squad. In January he earned a futures contract, and now he is knocking on the door of his first NFL regular season action.

The ankle injury carrying any level of severity would be disappointing for Scott. He wasn’t likely to see a ton of opportunities behind Jones and Mason, but special teams would have provided an opportunity for immediate playing time.

Related: MN Vikings Set Quarterback Room, Release Veteran Favorite

If this does result in Chandler making the roster, his time to prove worthy of sticking should be brief.

Ty Chandler not long for MN Vikings roster

Minnesota used a fifth round pick on Chandler during the 2022 NFL Draft. It seemed as though the North Carolina product could provide some upside from the backfield.

Despite playing in 37 professional games, he has just four starts and only 663 yards on 164 carries. Chandler has three touchdowns, but the vast majority of his production came two seasons ago.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Make First Wave of Roster Cuts

Last year with Jones leading the backfield, Chandler turned 56 touches into just 182 yards (3.3 yards per carry), and he was leapfrogged by veteran Cam Akers. Minnesota could bring Akers back for the third straight season if they want to finish this storyline in arguably the most comical way possible.

]]> Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:35:25 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings Reveal Preseason Kick and Punt Return Plans https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/preseason-kick-punt-returner-plan-vs-texans-moore-chandler-felton/ Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:24:51 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=66272 The Minnesota Vikings will play their first preseason game of 2025 on Saturday at US Bank Stadium against the Houston Texans. There, fans are expecting to see JJ McCarthy play full-speed football for the first time in a year.

The last time we saw the Vikings’ 2024 No. 10 overall pick wear game day purple and gold, he was balling out one year ago in his NFL preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

While McCarthy’s return is at the top of everyone’s mind, there are other storylines Saturday worth paying attention to. And one thing that is sure to stand out this weekend for casual Vikings fans who have gotten used to NFL kickoffs being a perfect time for a bathroom break or beverage refill.

Big changes coming to NFL kickoffs this season

Rondale Moore - Minnesota Vikings training camp 2025
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

One of the biggest changes to National Football League games in 2025 is, yet again, on special teams. This offseason, the league voted to essentially eliminated the “touchback” on kickoffs passively by moving the start line for a receiving team that catches and/or downs the ball in its own end zone to the 35-yard line.

Thus, Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels and his staff are predicting that 90% of kick returns in the league this season will be “returnable”. That’s because kicking teams are now expected to almost exclusively kick the ball short of the end zone, in order to force a return and avoid a 35-yard touchback.

Another NFL rule change — enticing more kickoff returns by moving the touchback line up to the 35-yard line — has special teams coordinator Matt Daniels expecting “90 percent of kicks” to be returnable in the preseason as coaches try to prepare their coverage groups.

Andrew Krammer – Star Tribune

Related: Former QB Says MN Vikings Wanted Him to Play Worse

This plan adds onto the changes in NFL kickoffs last year, where both the receiving and kicking teams lineup near one another, and from a standstill start. Those major tweaks were made to encourage more kickoff returns, while also making kickoffs safer.

The latter objective was not met, after the 2024 rule extended touchbacks out to the 25-yard-line, from the previous 20-yard marker. So in 2025, the NFL took the more extreme step of moving touchbacks out to the 35-yard-line, which will surely do the trick.

Obviously, this new rule puts an increased amount of importance on the kick returner position that we haven’t seen in nearly a decade. That’s why all NFL teams (including the Minnesota Vikings) are putting a lot more thought into who will be their kick returner for 2025.

Minnesota Vikings announce initial plans at kick and punt returner

And the first players who will get their shot at the job this preseason, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels revealed Thursday, are 22-year-old rookie 3rd round pick, WR Tai Felton (Maryland), along with 27-year-old speedster running back, Ty Chandler.

Daniels also announced the first player who will get his shot at returning punts, newly acquired 25-year-old playmaking WR, Rondale Moore. Interestingly, there are few Vikings players with NFL punt return experience, one of them being highly-compensated CB1, Byron Murphy Jr.

Receiver Tai Felton, the rookie third-round pick out of Maryland, and running back Ty Chandler are expected to be back there for the Vikings during Saturday’s preseason opener against the Texans.

Moore will get the first crack at punt returner.

“The idea is for us to get Rondale in there early and often,” Daniels said. “There are really only three guys that have caught an NFL punt: Rondale Moore, [receiver] Lucky Jackson did it in the preseason, and then you’ve got Byron Murphy Jr. on the defensive side.”

Star Tribune

Ty Chandler, Tai Felton land kickoff return duties

Ty Chandler has returned a total of 12 kickoffs during his three year career with the Minnesota Vikings. He’s gained 302 return yards on those attempts, averaging 25.2 yards per return. He has yet to house a kickoff… but maybe that changes in 2025.

Rookie receiver Tai Felton fits the returner description, but didn’t do it much at Maryland (26 total returns). We’ll see how he looks with his opportunities against the Houston Texans. His performance could go a long way toward defining his first year role in Minnesota

MN Vikings will give Rondale Moore first crack at punt returns

Rondale Moore, who will not be the first kick return option Saturday, is the most experienced NFL punt and kick returner of the bunch, though he hasn’t done either regularly since 2021. That season with the Arizona Cardinals, Moore returned 21 punts for 171 yards (8.3 YPR) and 13 kicks (291 YPR).

For now, the Vikings have him focusing solely on punt returns. Like Chandler, Moore has yet to score a return TD and has struggled in the past with ball security on returns, something that will not be allowed with the Minnesota Vikings.

]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:24:54 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Is Ty Chandler About to Lose His RB2 Spot for the Minnesota Vikings? https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-news/ty-chandler-spot-in-jeopardy-cam-akers/ Sat, 19 Oct 2024 01:41:57 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=56341 The Minnesota Vikings recently traded for Cam Akers from the Houston Texans. Initially that looked to be in response of the injury Aaron Jones’ suffered against the New York Jets. Days later, though, it appears the Vikings starting running back will go on Sunday vs the Detroit Lions. But what happens down the rest of the depth chart?

When Jones went down, Chandler worked the entire second half and it wasn’t a great showing, for the young backup. He carried the rock 14 times, managed just 30 yards on those carries. Yikes.

Cam Akers trade likely means Ty Chandler’s snaps are dropping

Now, as the outlook for Aaron Jones’ health gets more and more optimistic, it seems clear that the Vikings weren’t as worried about who will replace Jones as RB1. Instead, it appears the recently acquired Cam Akers was brought in to battle for Minnesota’s RB2 role, after Chandler’s underwhelming start to the season.

Related: Final Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out vs Lions?

That’s what local insider Darren Wolfson is hearing too. He shared his behind-the-scenes chatter with the Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North) late this week. Objects in Ty Chandler’s mirror are closer than they appear.

“My sense is, it’s more about Ty Chandler. This is why they had all sorts of interest in early July in re-signing Cam Akers. Plus, exploring some other potential moves. I don’t know if they’ve ever been all in on Ty Chandler. Was it the fumble in London? Now hey, I think he catches that toss 98 out of 100 times so I’m not necessarily concerned about that. When thinking about the total package, I get it. I absolutely see eventually here, maybe as soon as Sunday, Cam Akers trumping Ty Chandler. Cam Akers becoming that number two running back.”

Darren Wolfson on Cam Akers and Ty Chandler (Skor North)

Move to Akers at RB2 makes sense for Minnesota Vikings

Last season, the Vikings traded for Cam Akers, after Alexander Mattison struggled to provide legitimate RB1 value, like Kevin O’Connell had planned. Back then, it was Akers who got the first crack at taking the starting role from the now-Raider. Chandler didn’t get a real chance until Akers wasl lost to the season with a torn achilles.

Akers averaged just 3.6 yards per carry on 38 attempts, last year for Minnesota. But even if he is a marginal upgrade over chandler in the run game, no doubt Akers provides all of the intangibles and much better pass blocking than what Chandler does. Those things have stunted his NFL growth since his career started.

Related: Cam Akers Was Not Trade Option A for Vikings

Given Jones is already over halfway to his career record for snap count, it makes sense for Kwesi and Kevin to add additional depth. Minnesota will need their full complement of talent to step up in order to pull out a victory vs their best division rival, on Sunday.

]]> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 21:33:59 +0000 Minnesota Vikings News Minnesota Vikings What Does Cam Akers Trade Mean for Aaron Jones, Vikings RB Situation? https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-rumors/cam-akers-trade-impacts-aaron-jones-ty-chandler/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 01:00:29 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=56178 The Minnesota Vikings lost starting running back Aaron Jones to a hip injury during the first half of their London game against the New York Jets. He is back practicing this week, but his availability is in question. On Tuesday night Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acquired Cam Akers to solidify the backfield.

Why did the Minnesota Vikings trade for Cam Akers?

His presence may mean a bit more though. The best case scenario for the Vikings would be to have Aaron Jones in uniform on Sunday. As recently as Friday afternoon, all signs pointed to that being the likely reality.

But that was before this trade took place. Maybe Cam is only being added for depth, but in the mix of reports that have come out from NFL insiders since the trade was announced, there have been some whispers that Jones’ injury is more severe than originally thought.

Akers didn’t wind up back in Minnesota this offseason, after reports had come out that he was returning. Instead, the Vikings once again have to give up draft capitol to bring him back. In fact, he cost the same amount as last year, when they wheeled and dealed with the Los Angeles Rams.

While Andrew Krammer (Star Tribune) and some others in the know have hinted at a possible connection between the Akers trade and Aaron Jones’ injury, other insiders across the league (Tom Pelissero – NFL Network) have reported otherwise.

Their sources have told them that the move for Akers is strictly to add more talented depth to the backfield. Others (Kevin Seifert – ESPN) have taken a more, ‘I have no idea’ approach.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Injury Updates – Latest on Hockenson, Risner, Jones and Cashman

The Vikings played an entire half without Aaron Jones against the New York Jets. Ty Chandler rushed 14 times for just 30 yards, a 2.1 yards per carry average. The depth may be even more necessary after seeing how the offense flowed without the starter.

Ty Chandler may take the Vikings hit with Akers back

At no point will Aaron Jones not be the starter for the Minnesota Vikings when he is healthy. Ty Chandler finished with that role down the stretch last year, but he didn’t instill confidence against New York. Kevin O’Connell saw how bad the running game looked with Alexander Mattison last year, and it was stretched without depth.

Prior to his achilles injury, Akers came over from the Rams and helped to solidify the position. Whether Jones misses time or not, he could again play a key role as the backup. Joe Mixon is back for the Texans, and that meant Akers was an unnecessary luxury.

Related: Are the 2024 New York Jets a Reincarnation of the 2010 Minnesota Vikings?

It seems like Chandler is the big running back to watch, in terms of a trickle down effect from the Akers acquisition. But the initial reports that it could be more than that are at least worth watching. We’ll know more as the week goes on and Jones’ status on the injury report is updated.

]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:31:33 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Rumors Minnesota Vikings