Ty

Chandler

He’ll compete with Devin Neal for a backup role behind new No. 1 back Travis Etienne, assuming the Saints don’t add to the room in the draft. Chandler showed some pop in his 2023 season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, but he tumbled to 2.8 last year. He’s likely a fringe roster player at this point.

Chandler was active for this meaningless Week 18 finale and served as the 1B option behind Jordan Mason, who had 94 yards on 13 rushing attempts. The veteran running back is a free agent and will likely play elsewhere in 2026 unless the Vikings bring him back on a short-term deal.

With Jordan Mason likely out and Aaron Jones also ailing, it’s possible that Chandler could find himself in for some real work in Week 17. Unfortunately it comes with Max Brosmer under center, but volume is volume in the fantasy world and teams that lost backs and need waiver-wire help should certainly consider dialing up Chandler tonight.

Chandler will not come off injured reserve, so the Vikings will once again go with a Jordan Mason-Aaron Jones backfield for the tilt against the Commanders. Chandler likely wouldn’t have a big role/won’t have one whenever he is activated, anyways.

He practiced in full all week, so he’d seem likely to be activated from injured reserve and play against the Commanders on Sunday. With both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason healthy, it doesn’t feel like Chandler is going to find a fantasy-friendly role this week.

After being designated to return yesterday, Chandler opened the week with a limited session. A full practice would seem to signal that he can be ready sooner rather than later. With Aaron Jones banged up, it’s possible Chandler finds a small role on Sunday. He would not be a real fantasy option at this point.

Chandler returned to practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday as the Vikings opened his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve. He suffered a knee injury in Week 1 and has been on injured reserve since. A limited practice gives Chandler a shot at returning Week 14 against the Commanders; with Aaron Jones (shoulder) also banged up, Chandler could pick up an immediate role on passing downs in his return.

Blake Cashman (hamstring) joins him in missing at least the next four weeks. Zavier Scott will elevate to the team’s No. 3 back in Chandler’s absence. Cam Akers is undoubtedly leaving calls on Kevin O’Connell’s phone.

O’Connell said S Harrison Smith (illness) will join Darrisaw in the ramp-up process. Smith has been dealing with some sort of health issue since late August and should not be considered a lock to suit up in Week 2. Darrisaw continues to rehab his ACL and MCL injuries from last year. Vikings LB Blake Cashman and RB Ty Chandler “will miss some time” after suffering injuries in Week 1. Both LB Andrew Van Ginkel and CB Jeff Okudah are in the concussion protocol.

It’s been a theme of training camp that the Vikings simply don’t believe in Chandler’s ability to pass protect despite his explosiveness with the ball in his hands. Lewis thinks the team will instead roster Zavier Scott behind the combination of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason at running back.