The Minnesota Vikings haven’t caught many breaks this season. Sitting at 4-8 through 12 games, it’s been a grind - and not the kind fans in purple and gold were hoping for. Between key injuries, inconsistent play, and a carousel of backups stepping in at critical positions, this year has been more about survival than contention.
But there may be a glimmer of help on the horizon.
Running back Ty Chandler is officially in the 21-day window to return from injured reserve, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell. That means the team now has three weeks to evaluate Chandler in practice before deciding whether to activate him to the 53-man roster. It’s a small step, but for a team that’s been hit hard by attrition, any reinforcement is welcome.
Chandler hasn’t seen the field since the season opener in Chicago. That day, he didn’t log a carry, but he made his presence felt on special teams, returning three kickoffs for 84 yards - a solid 25.7-yard average.
The unfortunate twist? He suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff.
Still, he gutted it out, finishing the game and helping Minnesota pull off a comeback win over the Bears. That would be his only appearance so far this season.
Since then, the Vikings have leaned on a combination of Aaron Jones and Mason Jordan in the backfield. The results?
Mixed. Jones recently hit a personal milestone, and Jordan has flashed at times, but neither has been able to consistently ignite the ground game.
That’s a problem for a team that’s also been trying to stabilize its passing attack, especially with injuries up front and under center.
Getting Chandler back could give the offense a bit more juice, particularly if he can provide a spark on early downs or in the return game. Speaking of special teams, Myles Price has been handling both kickoff and punt return duties. If Chandler is healthy enough to resume his role on kickoffs, that could allow Price to focus more on punts and other responsibilities - a potentially helpful shift in a phase of the game that’s often overlooked but frequently pivotal.
Of course, the Vikings’ injury woes extend far beyond Chandler. Last week, they were without starting quarterback J.J.
McCarthy, standout left tackle Christian Darrisaw, and left guard Donovan Jackson. That’s a massive chunk of the offensive foundation missing in action.
The good news? At least one of those three is expected back when Minnesota faces the Washington Commanders this weekend.
Whether Chandler joins them remains to be seen. But if he does, his return could offer a much-needed boost - not just in the backfield, but across a roster that’s been fighting to stay afloat in a season full of setbacks.
For now, the clock is ticking on Chandler’s 21-day window. If he can prove he’s ready, the Vikings might finally get a piece of their puzzle back. And with five games left, they’ll take all the help they can get.