Vikings RB to Miss at Least 4 Games After Gutsy Game-Clinching Play
The Minnesota Vikings running back depth just took a serious hit.
After sustaining a knee injury in the season opener against the Chicago Bears, fourth-year running back Ty Chandler was placed on the injured reserve list on Thursday, September 11.
While Chandler did not take a carry in the opener, he is a vital depth piece with 663 yards rushing, three touchdowns and 38 games played in his career. He is credited with a heads-up play to look toward head coach Kevin O’Connell on the Bears’ final kickoff return. O’Connell gave Chandler the signal to take the ball out of the end zone, ultimately draining enough clock to pass the two-minute warning and help the Vikings ice the game.
He did so while playing through the injury.
“It is something that just speaks to Ty Chandler, not only finishing the game, but being one of the last people to touch the football there on that last kick return, when he brought it out to make sure we ate up that two-minute warning,” O’Connell said on Wednesday. “Ty is so tough. He’s one of those people that you’re not surprised when you kind of hear about it in detail the next day of like, this could be something that causes him to miss a little bit of time. That’s how tough he is, and he wasn’t coming off the field in any capacity. So, we’ll get him cleaned up and healthy, and everything will be good.”
Starting inside linebacker Blake Cashman was also placed on injured reserve after sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 1. Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah remain in concussion protocol and are at risk of missing a Week 2 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
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Vikings Undrafted Rookie Gets Chance After Chandler Injury
The Vikings running back room has little experience on the roster after Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.
The duo proved efficient in their timeshare at Soldier Field and figures to dominate the work in the backfield.
However, if either were to go down, Minnesota would hitch its hopes to 2024 undrafted rookie Zavier Scott, who spent last season on the practice squad.
Scott shined during the preseason enough to garner a roster spot and force the Vikings to carry four backs into the regular season.
Chandler joins C.J. Ham on the injured reserve list, which could lead to some tough decisions when both backs are ready to return to the 53-man roster.
In the meantime, Scott is likely next in line to handle kickoff returns in Chandler’s absence.
Ty Chandler’s Prove-It Year Derailed With Injury
Chandler’s injury is unfortunate for the fourth-year back who is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Considered a trade chip entering the season, Chandler’s injury will keep him from asserting his value for a role before the deadline.
There also won’t be much room for him to showcase his talents on offense with the Mason-Jones tandem taking up all the carries.
Hopefully, Chandler can return quickly and contribute on special teams to help the Vikings, but his role with the team beyond this season remains questionable.
BREAKING NEWS: Bo Nix Offers $200K Reward for Information Leading to Assassination Suspect in Kirk Case
In the wake of the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, college football star Bo Nix has announced that he will personally offer a $200,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the suspect. Nix, the standout quarterback for the Oregon Ducks, expressed his outrage over the violent attack and his commitment to supporting the investigation.
"Violence has no place in our society, especially on our college campuses," Nix said in a public statement. "Charlie Kirk was a passionate voice for conservative values, and his life was tragically cut short. I’m offering this reward to help ensure that justice is served, and the individual responsible for this senseless act is brought to justice."
The FBI had earlier released images of the suspected killer and announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The murder of Kirk has sparked widespread outrage within the conservative community and raised serious concerns about the rise of political violence on college campuses.
The outpouring of support for Kirk and the investigation continues to grow, with public figures like Nix leading the charge. His offer of an additional reward is a direct response to the shocking tragedy, reinforcing his commitment to justice and peace.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The case has deeply shaken the nation, with many calling for increased security and vigilance against political violence in educational environments.
