Ty Chandler Injury News & Updates

Chandler (knee) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

The kickoff return man sustained a knee injury in the season opener against Chicago and will be out through Minnesota's Week 6 bye as a result of Thursday's move. Rookies Myles Price (knee) and Tai Felton are the top candidates to return kicks in Chandler's absence, with Price favored to get those opportunities if healthy after a strong debut on special teams.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell said during Wednesday's press conference that Chandler suffered a knee injury during the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Bears on Monday.

O'Connell added that Chandler is expected to miss time while recovering from his knee injury, though how long his absence will be is unclear. Chandler is unlikely to play against the Falcons on Sunday but could be available for the Vikings' Week 3 bout against the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 21. The 2022 fifth-rounder played 13 special-teams snaps in Week 1 and returned three kickoffs for 84 yards, so Tai Felton is a candidate to join Myles Price (knee) on kickoff returns.

Chandler averaged 28.0 yards on three kickoff returns in Monday's win at Chicago. He did not play a snap on offense.

Chander begins the season as the No. 3 running back over Zavier Scott, who was inactive with an ankle injury. Neither running back will likely get many carries if both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are healthy.

Chandler made Minnesota's 53-man roster. However, it's not clear whether Chandler or Zavier Scott will work as the No. 3 running back, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

It's also not clear if Chandler or Tai Felton will work as the kick returner. Chandler was on the roster bubble and could still lose his spot once C.J. Ham returns from injured reserve.

Chandler gained 12 rushing yards on three carries and failed to catch his only target in Saturday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Patriots.

The fourth-year back got the start ahead of Zavier Scott, his main competition for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart, but it was Scott who saw more work and led Minnesota in rushing yards on the afternoon. Chandler saw his yards per carry drop from 4.5 in 2023 to just 3.3 last year, and if he can't find another gear before the end of the preseason, he might find himself on the outside looking in for a spot on the Week 1 gameday roster.

Chandler had five carries for five yards along with three receptions for 20 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Baltimore. However, he may have fallen behind Zavier Scott in the competition for the No. 3 RB role, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Scott had an impressive performance with seven carries for 40 yards. However, Chandler did work with the first-team offense while Scott had most of his production in the second quarter. Chandler was also one of the two primary kick returners, which could give him an edge. Still, this battle may not be decided until late in camp and the loser may not stay on the 53-man roster.

Chandler finished the 2024 season with 56 carries for 156 yards and six reception for 42 yards in 17 games.

Chandler had an odd season as began the year as the backup to Aaron Jones and even had a big game. He had ten carries for 82 yards in Week 2. He quickly lost the backup role after Minnesota traded for Cam Akers in Week 6. Chandler had just 12 carries for 31 yards in the final 11 regular season games, but still kept his kickoff return role. The odd part was he didn't appear to lose his role for any noticeable reason (he didn't fumble or commit obvious errors) and the Vikings had praised him early in the season. With Akers set to be an unrestricted free agent, Chandler enters the offseason as the backup but it's a mystery how the Vikings value him on the depth chart.

Chandler (illness) does not have an injury designation for Monday's wild-card matchup versus the Rams, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.

Chandler sat out Friday's practice due to an ailment, but he returned to practice in full Saturday and doesn't have an injury designation for Monday's game. No. 1 RB Aaron Jones (foot) is also without an injury designation for the wild-card contest, and Cam Akers (illness) is expected to suit up despite being deemed questionable, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic, so Chandler will likely work as Minnesota's No. 3 running back and primary kick returner.

Chandler missed Friday's practice because of an illness.

Chandler will have three days to recover before Monday's game against the Rams in Glendale, Arizona. There won't be much impact on the gameplan if his illness lingers, as Chandler has been third on the depth chart behind Aaron Jones (quadriceps) and Cam Akers for a while now.

Chandler rushed five times for 7 yards in Sunday's 27-25 win over the Packers.

Chandler barely saw any playing time behind Aaron Jones (quad) and Cam Akers in Sunday's matchup against Green Bay. The 26-year-old running back played just seven of the Vikings' 72 offensive snaps in the contest, though his five rushing attempts marked his highest carry total since Week 5. Chandler was extremely inefficient with his opportunities, averaging just 1.4 yards per carry. Heading into a pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Lions, the North Carolina product remains far off the fantasy radar.

Chandler had two carries for two yards in Sunday's win over Arizona.

Chander played five snaps on offense as he got some extra time as Aaron Jones was given some rest after losing two fumbles. Chandler is still clearly the third running back, so he may not get many more snaps unless Jones or Cam Akers is injured.

Chandler didn't have a carry or reception in Sunday's win at Tennessee. He did have one kick return for 35 yards.

Chandler played just one snap on offense as he's become a distant third option at running back behind starter Aaron Jones and backup Cam Akers.

Chandler had four carries for 18 yards in Sunday's win at Jacksonville.

Chandler had played just two snaps on offense the previous two weeks after Cam Akers took over the backup running back role. Chandler only got on the field after Aaron Jones missed time late in the game due to a rib injury. Chandler could get some time on offense this week at Tennessee if Jones misse times or is limited with the rib issue.

Chandler did not have a carry in Sunday's win over the Colts. He did not play any snaps on offense and played seven snaps on special teams.

Meanwhile Cam Akers had six carries for 46 yards and two receptions for seven yards while playing 16 snaps on offense. It's surprising that Chandler has fallen to third string given how he was used early in the season and without any indications that he was hurt or negative comments from the coaching staff. However, it looks like Chandler will have a minimal role on offense based on Sunday's game with Akers as the backup to Aaron Jones.

Chandler played just two snaps on offense and didn't have a carry or target in Thursday's loss to the Rams.

It was thought that Chandler would get a significant number of touches in the backfield to keep Aaron Jones fresh this season, but that hasn't been the case the last two games. Chandler has played just eight snaps on offense the past two games. He's likely to be more involved in the second half of the season and the Vikings won't hesitate to give him a large role if Jones is hurt, but he may be a distant second option in the meantime.

Chandler had two carries for four yards in Sunday's loss to Detroit.

With Aaron Jones back to full health, Chandler played on just 11 of the offense's 60 snaps. Meanwhile, Jones played on 43 snaps. Chandler will likely get a larger share of the workload in most games to keep Jones fresh, but he's a clear second option. Still, the Vikings are not afraid to give Chandler a significant role in the offense if Jones is hurt.

Chandler rushed the ball 14 times for 30 yards in Sunday's 23-17 win over the Jets. He added two receptions on two targets for nine yards.

Chandler had the chance to serve as Minnesota's lead back for three quarters in Sunday's win with Aaron Jones (hip) suffering a hip injury. Positively, he accounted for 14 of the 18 rushing attempts after setting aside Jones' touches. However, he lost a goal-line touch to C.J. Ham in the second quarter. Chandler's long-term fantasy usefulness is also unclear with the Vikings heading into a Week 6 bye.

Chandler had three carries for five yards and one reception for eight yards in Sunday's win at Green Bay.

Aaron Jones was on a roll early in the game and finished with 22 carries for 93 yards rushing along with four receptions for 46 yards. Chandler played just eight snaps on offense compared to 56 for Jones. The Vikings likely stuck with Jones while he was hot and maybe because of his return to Green Bay. Either way, Chandler will likely get a larger share of the workload in most games, but is a clear second option behind Jones.

Chandler had seven carries for 13 yards in Sunday's win over Houston.

Chandler played on 22 of the offense's 63 snaps as Aaron Jones got the bulk of work. Jones had 19 carries for 102 yards and five receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown while playing on 38 snaps on offense. Chandler will have more productive games like in Week 2 (10 carries for 82 yards) but will likely see a smaller workload when Jones is healthy and rolling.

Chandler rushed 10 times for 82 yards in the Vikings' 23-17 win over the 49ers on Sunday. He was also sacked on a pass attempt.

Chandler blew backfield mate Aaron Jones away in production, as he outgained the veteran back by a full 50 rush yards on just one additional carry. Chandler's lack of involvement in the passing game wasn't ideal, but considering he recorded three receptions in Week 1 and 21 last season in part-time duty, his absence from the air attack is likely just a one-game outlier. Chandler's explosiveness combined with the desire to keep Jones fresh throughout the long season and the latter's fumble at the shadow of the goal line Sunday should help lock in another solid role for Chandler in Week 3 against the Texans.

Chandler rushed eight times for 17 yards and brought in all three targets for 25 yards in the Vikings' 28-6 win over the Giants on Sunday.

Chandler had a robust No. 2 role behind Aaron Jones on the ground, seeing only six fewer carries than his new backfield mate and drawing one additional target. The third-year back could remain similarly involved as the season unfolds, considering Jones' veteran status and the goal of keeping him healthy throughout the season. Chandler could continue to have some utility in deeper PPR leagues in Week 2, as Minnesota will welcome in a 49ers team that could help generate a game script where the Vikings are trailing in the second half and therefore afford the versatile back plenty of snaps.

Chandler will serve as Minnesota's primary kick returner in addition to working as the backup running back to Aaron Jones, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

He'll replace Kene Nwangwu who was released last week. Brandon Powell will be the second deep man on kickoffs. Chandler should have added value in leagues that award points for kick returns.

Chandler had seven carries for 33 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Las Vegas.

Chandler started with Aaron Jones sitting out of the game and looked sharp on several runs including a 16-yard gain. He's locked in as the backup to Jones and could get significant touches if the Vikings try to manage Jones' workload to keep him healthy.

Vikings DT Harrison Phillips said Thursday that he'd "buy stock in Chandler if I could," Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

It sounds like Chandler made a strong impression at spring practices, perhaps increasing his chances to have a key role off the bench behind new starting running back Aaron Jones. Chandler mostly played special teams throughout the first half of last season, but he eventually became the No. 2 running back and later started the final four weeks, averaging 11.8 carries for 52.4 yards (4.5 YPC) and 2.0 catches for 14.5 yards over the final eight games of the season (with three TDs). That makes him a clear favorite for the No. 2 RB job ahead of Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride, though it isn't clear how many snaps and touches the role will entail. Jones' history of injuries -- namely five MCL sprains since entering the NFL -- suggests Chandler has a good chance to make starts this season if the Vikings doesn't add a more experienced backup before Week 1.

Chandler is poised to be relegated to a backup role with the Vikings slated to sign Aaron Jones to a one-year, $7 million contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Chandler briefly stood atop Minnesota's depth chart following the release of Alexander Mattison, but the addition of a veteran with true three-down capabilities in Jones likely returns him to a complementary role. That said, the 29-year-old Jones has regularly battled injuries in recent history, playing just 11 games in 2023, while Chandler flashed in limited opportunities last season while averaging 4.5 YPC. He remains an interesting stash, though the Vikings could still add depth to the backfield in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.

Chandler is projected to serve as the Vikings' top running back after Alexander Mattison was released Thursday, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Mattison accounted for 180 carries in 2023, while Chandler played a complementary role with 102. He showed flashes of brilliance with the ball in his hands, tallying three rushes of over 20 yards while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. For now, it appears that Chandler will be set for a bigger role in 2024, though the Vikings will almost certainly add to their backfield either through the draft or free agency.

Chandler rushed 12 times for 69 yards and brought in two of three targets for 20 yards in the Vikings' 30-20 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

Chandler found a way to be productive against one of the league's toughest run defenses, comfortably pacing the Vikings' ground attack in carries and rushing yards while also filling a modest role in the passing game. The second-year back was clearly the more effective between him and backfield mate Alexander Mattison on multiple occasions down the stretch, recording at least Sunday's rushing total in three of the last eight contests while averaging at least 4.0 yards per carry on four occasions in that sample. Chandler's 4.5 yards per carry on 102 rush attempts and 7.6 yards per catch on his 21 receptions underscore his efficiency, and he should have a chance to make a case for a significant role once again in training camp next summer.

Chandler rushed 10 times for 40 yards and caught all three of his targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 33-10 loss to the Packers.

Chandler continued to serve as Minnesota's lead rusher after receiving seven more carries than Alexander Mattison, the only other back to get the ball Sunday. Chandler couldn't extend his touchdown streak to three games, but his production was a step forward from last week's 8-17-1 rushing line. Minnesota's starting tailback will look to end the regular season on a high note when the team visits Detroit in Week 18.

Chandler had eight carries for 17 yards and a touchdown and was not targeted as a receiver in Sunday's 30-24 loss to Detroit.

The North Carolina product stuck as Minnesota's starter even with previous starter Alexander Mattison (ankle) active Sunday. Chandler was unable to reproduce last week's massive 157-yard performance, but he did score his second rushing touchdown in as many weeks. Mattison wound up losing a yard on his two rushing attempts as the Vikings featured a pass-heavy gameplan against the Lions. Given that the latter was being eased back from injury, there is a chance both backs see action against the Packers on Dec. 31.

Chandler is expected to remain the Vikings' lead back for Sunday's game against the Lions, even though Alexander Mattison (ankle) is active for the contest, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

While Mattison was sidelined for the first time this season in last Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals, Chandler stepped into the starting role and made the most of the opportunity. He carried 23 times for 132 yards and a touchdown to go with three catches for 25 yards on four targets, with his 157 yards from scrimmage besting Mattison's top total through the first 13 games of the season by 32 yards. Though Mattison is available, he was listed as questionable heading into Sunday after managing just one limited practice this week and may be in store for a minor change-of-pace role while he's less than 100 percent healthy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't expounded on his plans for the Minnesota backfield beyond Week 16, but given Mattison's underwhelming numbers as the Vikings' lead back for most of the season, Chandler could have an opportunity to stick atop the depth chart the rest of the way if he delivers another credible performance versus a tough Detroit run defense.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell hinted Wednesday that Chandler could remain the Vikings' lead back, regardless of Alexander Mattison's (ankle) status for Sunday's game against the Lions, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports. "Ty is absolutely a guy that is going to continue to see a feature role in our offense," O'Connell said. "What that looks like moving forward, as far as who gets the first touch of the game and all those things, we'll continue to work through based upon what we are attempting to do scheme-wise.

While Mattison was sidelined for this past Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals, Chandler stepped into the starting role and turned in the best performance of the season by a Vikings running back, finishing with 23 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown to go with three receptions for 25 yards on four targets. Though O'Connell stopped short of naming Chandler the Vikings' new No. 1 back, the coach's comments suggest that the second-year player has at the very least earned himself a larger share of the snaps and touches out of the backfield. Mattison remained sidelined Wednesday for the Vikings' first Week 16 practice, and even if he puts himself in a position to play Sunday, his lacking production on the ground (3.9 yards per carry, no touchdowns on 168 carries) and ball-security concerns (three total fumbles, two lost) could force him to settle for a secondary role behind Chandler.

Chandler ran for 132 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries against Cincinnati on Saturday, adding three receptions for 25 yards on four targets.

Chandler played almost every snap for Minnesota, as backup Kene Nwangwu saw just one carry for one yard. It was encouraging to see Chandler take up such a big workload -- the 23 carries is easily an NFL career high for Chandler, and the second-highest number of carries he's had in a game going back to his five-year collegiate career. It's not clear whether Alexander Mattison (ankle) might be able to return against Detroit in Week 16, but if Mattison is out it should mean another big workload for Chandler.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell indicated that Chandler will serve as the team's lead back Saturday against the Bengals with Alexander Mattison (ankle) ruled out for the contest, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

After spraining his ankle early in the second half of Sunday's 3-0 win over the Raiders, Mattison was unable to practice in any fashion during Week 15. Chandler should be in store for his first NFL start this weekend as a result, and he likely won't face much of a challenge for snaps from the remaining backfield options currently on the roster. Kene Nwangwu is the No. 3 back on the depth chart but is valued mainly for his contributions as the Vikings' kickoff returner and is relied upon on offense for the occasional gadget play, while fullback C.J. Ham primarily operates as a blocker rather than a runner or receiver. The Vikings are likely to promote one or both of Myles Gaskin and Dewayne McBride from the practice squad to offer an additional rushing threat behind Chandler, but the second-year back out of North Carolina could still have a path to a three-down role. Chandler hasn't been overly efficient with his limited opportunities through his first 16 career NFL games, averaging 4.1 yards on 55 carries and

Chandler carried the ball 12 times for 35 yards and caught all three of his targets for seven yards in Sunday's 3-0 win over the Raiders.

The second-year back took over as the Vikings' No, 1 back after Alexander Mattison (ankle) left the game on the first drive of the second half, and Chandler wound up tying his season high in touches, although he didn't produce much with the extra volume. It's not yet clear how serious Mattison's injury is, so Chandler could be in line to get extra carries, or even the start, in Week 15 against the Bengals.

Chandler rushed four times for eight yards and secured one of two targets for three yards in the Vikings' 12-10 loss to the Bears on Monday night.

A game after he posted an impressive 110 total yards on 14 touches against the Broncos, Chandler saw his role significantly reduced. The reserve back was also much more inefficient while facing a stingy Bears run defense, and the downturn in opportunity and production seems to indicate Alexander Mattison's hold on the top running back job is as secure as ever heading into the Vikings' Week 13 bye before a Week 14 road matchup against the Raiders.

Chandler rushed 10 times for 73 yards and secured all four targets for 37 yards in the Vikings' 21-20 loss to the Broncos on Sunday night.

Chandler logged eight fewer carries but only eight fewer rushing yards than backfield mate Alexander Mattison, who managed to return despite an early Week 10 exit due to a concussion. Chandler had averaged only three yards per carry while pulling emergency duty in that contest, but the second-year back was exponentially more efficient Sunday with the help of a game-long 31-yard run. The 2022 fifth-round pick's work as a pass catcher was also noteworthy, and given his solid body of work versus Denver, Chandler seems likely to enjoy a fairly robust No. 2 role against the Bears in a Week 12 home divisional matchup on Monday night, Nov. 27.

Chandler could be in line for a "pretty even split" of work out of the backfield Sunday against the Broncos with Alexander Mattison (concussion), who remains listed as questionable but is on track to play, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Despite sustaining a concussion in last Sunday's win over New Orleans, Mattison was able to clear the five-step protocol relatively quickly. Though he took a questionable tag into the weekend, Mattison was a full practice participant Friday, and he appears to have received clearance from an independent neurologist to return to game action this Sunday. Though Mattison has operated as the Vikings' lead back all season, he's yet to score a touchdown as a runner and is averaging a lowly 3.5 yards per carry on 130 totes. Even before missing most of the final two quarters of last week's win, Mattison had been ceding some work to Chandler, who saw his role expand after No. 2 option Cam Akers sustained a season-ending Achilles tear the previous week. With 15 carries for 45 yards and no targets in the passing game against New Orleans, Chandler wasn't particularly efficient with his opportunities, though he did convert on a goal-line carry for a second-quarter touchdown.

Chandler rushed the ball 15 times for 45 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-19 win over the Saints.

Alexander Mattison (concussion) was forced from the game early in the third quarter, though Chandler saw plenty of opportunity prior to Mattison's exit. At the close of the first half, Chandler had five rushing attempts to Mattison's four, and he also found his way into the end zone on a two-yard run in the second quarter. The only downside was Chander's lack of involvement as a pass catcher, but he appears to have a role in the Minnesota backfield even if Mattison returns in time for a Week 11 matchup at Denver.

Chandler is expected to take over as Alexander Mattison's top backup after Cam Akers sustained a ruptured Achilles during Sunday's game at Atlanta, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports.

With Akers now set to miss the remainder of the season, Chandler finds himself positioned as Minnesota's number two running back going into Week 10. He's gotten just 13 touches through nine games so far this season, returning 85 yards from scrimmage on those opportunities.

Chandler played all 16 of his snaps on special teams Sunday in the Vikings' 19-13 win over the Bears.

For the third week in a row, Chandler was limited exclusively to special-teams work with trade acquisition Cam Akers having settled in as the No. 2 back behind Alexander Mattison. Akers is averaging a solid 5.7 yards per carry since joining the Vikings, so the coaching staff may not be overly motivated to give Chandler a look on offense.

Chandler had one carry for 15 yards on a fake punt to get a first down in Sunday's loss to Kansas City.

Chandler didn't play any snaps on offense as he's been limited to special teams after the acquisition of Cam Akers.

Chandler didn't have a carry and wasn't targeted in the passing game in Sunday's win at Carolina. He played just six snaps, all on special teams.

Cam Akers moved into the backup role behind starter Alexander Mattison in his first game since his trade from the Rams. It looks like Chandler will be limited to special teams and be used sparingly on offense if the top two running backs remain healthy.

Chandler had three carries for 27 yards and one reception for four yards on two targets in Sunday's loss to the Chargers.

Chandler worked as the backup to Alexander Mattison and played on 12 of the offense's 83 snaps. While Chandler showed a spark in the running game (9.0 YPC) he could move to a third-string role Week 4 at Carolina if Cam Akers joins the active game-day roster after his trade from the Rams.

Chandler had one carry for no gain and two receptions for nine yards on two targets in Thursday's loss at Philadelphia.

Chandler played on just seven of the offense's 58 snaps as he got little work despite starter Alexander Mattison struggling to run the ball (3.5 YPC). Mattison played 44 snaps as it looks like Chandler will have a minimal reserve role in the backfield.

Chandler had three carries for a net zero yards and one reception for 18 yards on his lone target in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay. He also returned a kickoff for 15 yards.

Chandler played on 11 of the offense's 64 snaps as the backup to Alexander Mattison (who played 47 snaps). Chandler showed a burst on the 18-yard reception, but otherwise was part of an anemic rushing attack that had just a 2.4 YPC. Chandler looks like the clear backup to Mattison as Myles Gaskin didn't play in the loss. He'll also be used as a kick returner.

Chandler and Myles Gaskin will provide depth behind Alexander Mattison to start the season, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

With Kene Nwangwu (undisclosed) placed on injured reserve and rookie DeWayne McBride banished to the practice squad, Minnesota signed Gaskin on Wednesday to provide some experience behind Mattison. While Gaskin could earn a role, Chandler is more likely to get touches off the bench Week 1 against Tampa Bay and will also replace Nwangwu on kickoff returns.

Chandler carried the ball 11 times for 24 yards in Saturday's 24-16 preseason loss to the Titans.

Alexander Mattison didn't suit up, leaving Chandler as the top back. He stuck on the field throughout the entire first half, while Dewayne McBride saw only one touch in that span. Minnesota has tried out a number of veterans throughout the preseason, but for now, Chandler appears to have the inside track for the backup job to Mattison to begin the regular season.

Chandler rushed 11 times for 41 yards and caught all four of his targets for 29 yards in Thursday's 24-13 preseason loss to the Seahawks.

Chandler worked as the primary running back for the entire first half, and he showcased some shiftiness as both a rusher and a pass catcher. The 2022 fifth-round pick appears to be leading the competition for the change-of-pace role behind Alexander Mattison in a Minnesota backfield that no longer features Dalvin Cook. Chandler's primary competition for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart is Kene Nwangwu (undisclosed), who missed this game but could be available for Minnesota's second preseason game, Aug. 19 against the Titans.

Neither Chandler nor Kene Nwangwu has a a clear lead on the backup running back role to Alexander Mattison as both have questions about their abilities in pass protection, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Lewis goes as far to speculate that the Vikings could sign a veteran running back late in training camp for the backup role. It's still early in the competition as each player's showing in preseason games could change the equation. However, neither looks like a lock for the backup role at the moment and it also doesn't sound like there will be a committee approach at the position as Mattison is the clear lead back.

Chandler struggled at Tuesday's practice after replacing a banged-up Alexander Mattison, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

With Kene Nwangwu (undisclosed) already absent and Mattison limping off the field Tuesday, the Vikings temporarily were left with Chandler and rookie seventh-round pick DeWayne McBride as their only halfbacks. Chandler thus got most of the first-team snaps but may not have gained anything from it, as Lewis reports that the 2022 fifth-round pick "lacked consistency" and lost a fumble. The good news for Minnesota is that Mattison returned to practice Wednesday, albeit for a walkthrough, plus there's been no indication Nwangwu's injury is serious. Still, it won't be surprising if the Vikings add another RB at some point this summer, considering none of their four backs was a top-100 pick in his year's draft and the guys behind Mattison have combined for 59 NFL snaps on offense. We'll also note that the Vikings are the only team in the NFL with fewer than five halfbacks between their roster and various injury lists.

Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters Thursday that Chandler will "have to be" ready to take on an increased role with the Vikings set to part ways with Dalvin Cook, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

The 2022 fifth-round pick logged limited snaps last season as he operated behind Cook and Alexander Mattison, with all six of his carries for 20 yards coming in the last game of the 2022 season. Chandler could now assume a key backup role behind Mattison with Cook on the way out, but he will have competition from Kene Nwangwu and DeWayne McBride, who the team took in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Chandler posted six rushes for 20 yards during Sunday's 29-13 win against the Bears.

The 20122 fifth-round draft pick got his first carries in the final game of the season as starters were rested ahead of the playoffs. He only played in three games and was limited to just special teams in his last two games. He may not be active for the playoffs.

Chandler (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Packers.

Chandler was activated from IR on Wednesday, but it was also the end of his 21-day practice window, so he also may not be fully ready to compete. The rookie running back suffered a broken thumb in Week 5 and has not played since. He'll try to earn the chance to suit up Week 18 against the Bears.

The Vikings activated Chandler (thumb) from injured reserve Wednesday.

Chandler was designated to return from injured reserve Dec. 7, so he was activated on the final day of his 21-day window. He hasn't suited up since Week 5 and played exclusively on special teams over his only two appearances this season, so even if he's active for Week 17, his presence shouldn't impact Minnesota's offensive game plan.

Chandler (thumb) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Chandler has been out since Week 5 after he suffered a broken thumb in the Vikings' win over the Bears and the team will now have 21 days to either activate him or leave him on IR for the rest of the year. The running back has appeared in two games this season, playing 28 snaps on special teams.

Minnesota placed Chandler (thumb) on its injured reserve list Tuesday.

Chandler sustained a thumb fracture during Sunday's 29-22 win versus Chicago, and he'll now have to sit out at least the Vikings' next four games as he recovers. The rookie fifth-rounder hasn't logged an offensive snap in 2022, but Minnesota will still have to find a way to replace the speedster's special teams reps.

Chandler is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a broken thumb, however, no decision has been made about whether he will go on IR, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Chandler suffered the injury in his second-career game Sunday against the Bears. The rookie will certainly miss multiple weeks, however the team's hesitancy to put him on IR could mean they don't believe he'll necessarily have to miss at least four games.

Chandler will likely sit out for a few weeks after suffering a fractured thumb during Sunday's 29-22 win over the Bears, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Chandler suited up for just his second game of the season Sunday before being forced to exit with what was initially labeled as a hand injury. Now, the rookie running back figures to be sidelined for multiple weeks after it was revealed he suffered a broken thumb, though his exact recovery timeline is still unknown. Chandler was a healthy scratch through the first three games of the season and did not play an offensive snap during his NFL debut in Week 4.

Chandler is out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Bears with a hand injury.

Chandler was active for just the second time in his rookie season Sunday. However, he still has not seen the ball on offense. He'll work to be back Week 6 against the Dolphins.

Chandler will be active Sunday against the Bears, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The rookie fifth-round selection was a healthy scratch through the first three weeks of the season, but he'll suit up for the second-straight week. Last Sunday, Chandler played 19 special-teams snaps, but he never saw the field on offense.

Chandler (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Lions.

Chandler will have to wait another week to try and make his NFL debut, as he remains behind Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu on the depth chart. The rookie will keep working to push his way up the Vikings' ranks and earn a chance to suit up in Week 3 against the Lions.

Chandler (coach's decision) is inactive Monday against the Eagles.

Chandler will have to wait another week to try and make his NFL debut, as he remains behind Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu on the team's running back positional depth chart. The rookie will keep working to push his way up the Vikings' ranks and earn a chance to suit up in Week 3 against the Lions.

Chandler (coach's decision) will not play Sunday against the Packers.

Chandler is currently behind Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu on the team's running back positional depth chart, despite a strong preseason. The rookie will keep working to push his way up the Vikings' ranks, so he can make his NFL debut.

Chandler rushed five times for 44 yards and brought in his only target for one yard in the Vikings' 23-13 preseason loss to the Broncos on Saturday night.

The rookie fifth-round pick saw five carries for the third time in as many preseason games, and he finishes the exhibition slate with an ultra-efficient 7.5 yards per carry. The speedy Chandler currently slots behind Kene Nwangwu for the No. 3 running back job, but the North Carolina product may have surpassed his teammate, who is projected to stick on the roster under any circumstance as a kickoff returner, with Saturday's effort.

Chandler (ankle) had five carries for 19 yards, including a three-yard touchdown, in Saturday's loss to San Francisco.

Chandler missed practice time last week due to a sore ankle, but it doesn't look like anything to worry about. He had a second solid performance which will keep him in the mix for the No. 3 running back role with Kene Nwangwu.

Chandler (ankle) will not practice Thursday but hopes to play in Saturday's preseason game against San Francisco, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Chandler had an impressive preseason debut with 50 yards rushing last Sunday. However, it looks like he could be sidelined for the second game which could hinder his battle to win the No. 3 running back role.

Chandler rushed five times for 50 yards in Sunday's 26-20 preseason loss to the Raiders.

Chandler made an impressive debut by tearing through the Raiders' backup defense (key starters were healthy scratches). The results are impressive nonetheless, as the rookie fifth-rounder posted an impressive final season at North Carolina in 2021 (182 carries for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns). The Vikings have one of the more stacked running back rooms in the league, so Chandler could find himself on the practice squad to begin the season if he can't leapfrog Keke Nwangwu (who was also impressive Sunday). Both young backs will get another chance to compete when Minnesota takes on the 49ers on Saturday.

The Vikings selected Chandler in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 169th overall.

Chandler was the No. 5 running back coming out of high school in 2017, and he enjoyed four productive seasons at Tennessee, leading the team in rushing in 2018 and 2019. He took his game to the next level in his final year of eligibility, as he transferred to North Carolina and rushed 182 times for 1,092 yards (6.0 YPC) and caught 15 passes (17 targets) for 216 yards and a touchdown. Chandler doesn't create a ton of yards on his own, but he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and has the tools to succeed in the right situation. Unfortunately, he'll need to wait his turn in Minnesota, as superstar Dalvin Cook is the clear lead back while backups Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu have both showed promise.