Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler helped fantasy football managers as a waiver wire addition ahead of Week 15 last season. Could Chandler repeat his success in 2024 after Viking starting RB Aaron Jones suffered a hip injury last week?
Should Ty Chandler Be Added Off the Fantasy Waiver Wire in Week 6?
All stats are from TruMedia unless otherwise stated.
Jones left early in Minnesota’s matchup against the New York Jets in Week 5. Chandler was elevated to RB1 while Jones was out, as he played 46 total snaps against the Jets.
If Jones misses extended time due to his hip injury, Chandler is certainly worth targeting on the waiver wire. However, it is worth noting that he struggled to get much going against the Jets, totaling just 30 rushing yards on 14 attempts.
Chandler also hauled in both of his targets for nine yards as well, recording 16 touches in relief of Jones. Unfortunately, he was “vultured” in the red zone by fullback C.J. Ham, who had an eight-yard rushing touchdown.
Ham played 23 total snaps against the Jets, while third-string RB Myles Gaskin was asked to fill Chandler’s former role. Gaskin played just five snaps, gaining two rushing yards on as many attempts.
While Chandler has been relatively quiet since Jones arrived in Minnesota, he had a strong performance against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2. He showcased his explosiveness with 10 carries for 82 rushing yards, despite playing just 19 total snaps.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was asked about Jones’ injury status following Minnesota’s victory in Week 5.
“He’ll be evaluated,” Kevin O’Connell said. “I’ll keep you guys posted from the standpoint of what that looks like, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that that hopefully will be short-term.”
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Jones was set to undergo an MRI on Monday and that it “doesn’t seem like a major injury.”
Luckily the Vikings won’t have to decide on Jones’ status immediately, as they have a bye in Week 6. Minnesota is surely hoping that he will return in Week 7, as it is slated to host the division rival Detroit Lions.
From @GMFB: Updates on injuries to #Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip), #Texans WR Nico Collins (hamstring) and #Dolphins RB De’Von Achane (concussion). pic.twitter.com/DBCzNCQWs7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
Jones was a key cog in the Vikings’ surprisingly dominant offense. He was sixth in the NFL with 464 yards from scrimmage through the first four weeks of the regular season.
If Jones misses any time due to his hip injury, Chandler should immediately be added in all fantasy football leagues. He will offer legitimate upside simply for the elevated workload that he’ll receive as the top RB in Minnesota.
