Vikings Turn to Max Brosmer and Ty Chandler as Injuries Mount Ahead of Lions Matchup
While most folks are winding down with family and holiday traditions, the Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a crucial Christmas week showdown against the Detroit Lions. Thanks to the NFL’s new Christmas Day partnership with Netflix, Minnesota won’t be taking the day off - and they’ll be doing it short-handed at some key positions.
Let’s start under center. The Vikings officially ruled out rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy after he suffered a hairline fracture in his hand during Sunday’s win over the Giants. That means Max Brosmer is up for his second NFL start - and this time, he’ll have a full week of prep and a home crowd behind him.
Brosmer, the former Gopher standout, stepped in admirably in relief last week. He completed 7 of 9 passes and managed the game with poise, guiding Minnesota on a clutch, last-minute drive that ended in a game-winning field goal from Will Reichard. It was a small sample size, but it showed the kind of calm and control the Vikings hoped for when they added Brosmer to the roster.
Now, he’ll face a Detroit defense that knows how to bring pressure and thrives on creating turnovers. It’s a tall order, but if Brosmer can replicate his ball security and efficient decision-making, Minnesota has a fighting chance - especially with the NFC North still in play.
Running Back Depth Gets a Timely Boost
Quarterback isn’t the only position where the Vikings are feeling the injury bug. Both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are nursing ankle injuries after Sunday’s physical game against New York, leaving the backfield in flux just days before facing a Lions defense that’s stout against the run.
Enter Ty Chandler.
The 2022 fifth-round pick was activated off injured reserve on Tuesday, and the timing couldn’t be better. Chandler hasn’t seen the field since Week 1, when he injured his knee in Chicago, but he’s now healthy and ready to contribute - both in the backfield and on special teams.
Chandler, 27, brings speed and versatility to the Vikings’ offense. While he’s not known as a bruising between-the-tackles runner, he’s shown flashes of explosiveness when given space.
Over his four-year NFL career, Chandler has logged 164 carries for 663 yards and three touchdowns, along with 27 receptions for 201 yards. He’s also played nearly as many snaps on special teams (317) as he has on offense (472), making him a valuable all-around contributor.
And make no mistake - these next couple of weeks matter a lot for Chandler’s future. He’s in the final year of his rookie deal, and with Minnesota’s backfield banged up, this could be his best shot to carve out a larger role or earn a new contract, whether in Minnesota or elsewhere.
Chandler’s college resume - over 3,000 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns split between Tennessee and North Carolina - reminds us of the upside he once flashed. But in the NFL, availability is everything. If he can stay healthy and show he’s more than just a stopgap option, he might just rewrite the narrative heading into free agency.
What’s Next for the Vikings
With McCarthy sidelined and the running back room in recovery mode, the Vikings are leaning on depth and resilience heading into Thursday’s divisional clash. Brosmer will need to manage the game, avoid turnovers, and lean on a defense that’s quietly been playing solid football. Chandler, meanwhile, could be the unexpected X-factor - not just in the run game, but on special teams and in pass protection.
It’s not the Christmas week Minnesota envisioned, but in the NFL, adaptability is the name of the game. The Lions are coming to town, the stakes are high, and the Vikings’ next-man-up mentality will be put to the test.