After extremely impressive Week 1 performances, both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Minnesota Vikings have had a rough go of things. The former has gone 4-3 since then, while the latter has been even worse, falling to last place in the NFC North with a 3-3 record. However, for both squads, it has been a simple explanation, as injuries have ravaged their roster in key areas. For the Vikings, it began with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, before the offensive line fell to shambles. However, Aaron Jones Sr. will play tonight as he has recovered from his injury.
For the Chargers, the situation has been similar when it comes to the offensive line, while the defense has severely regressed from last season. As a result, when the two face off in a Thursday Night Football game with massive playoff implications, it will be interesting to see which players from the rosters actually make the cut and who are left on the inactive list for their clash.
Inactive List for Vikings and Chargers
Minnesota Vikings
- RT Brian O’Neill
- LB Chaz Chambliss
- DE Elijah Williams
- RB C.J. Ham
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel
- QB J.J. McCarthy
Los Angeles Chargers
- RB Hassan Haskins
- CB Nikko Reed
- OLB Kyle Kennard
- OL Jamaree Salyer
- OT Austin Deculus
- WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith
- TE Will Dissly
Starters for Vikings vs. Chargers
Minnesota Vikings
Offense:
- QB Carson Wentz
- RB Aaron Jones Sr.
- WR Justin Jefferson
- WR Jordan Addison
- WR Jalen Nailor
- TE T.J. Hockenson
- LT Christian Darrisaw
- LG Donovan Jackson
- C Michael Jurgens
- RG Will Fries
- RT Justin Skule
Defense:
- LDE Jonathan Allen
- NT Jalen Redmond
- RDE Javon Hargrave
- WLB Jonathan Greenard
- LILB Blake Cashman
- RILB Eric Wilson
- SLB Dallas Turner
- LCB Isaiah Rodgers
- SS Joshua Metellus
- FS Harrison Smith
- RCB Byron Murphy Jr.
- NB Theo Jackson
Special Teams:
- PK Will Reichard
- P, H Ryan Wright
- PR, KR Myles Price
- LS Andrew DePaola
The biggest worry for the Vikings has to be the offensive line, which ranks in the bottom-10 of PFSN’s Offensive Line Impact over the course of the season, and is among the most injured units currently across the league.
However, where they can hang their hat is on the defensive side of the ball, where Brian Flores’ excellence has led to the fourth-ranked unit on PFSN’s Defense Impact, even as the offense struggles to find its way.
Los Angeles Chargers
Offense:
- QB Justin Herbert
- RB Kimani Vidal
- WR Ladd McConkey
- WR Keenan Allen
- WR Quentin Johnston
- TE Oronde Gadsden II
- FB Scott Matlock
- LT Joe Alt
- LG Zion Johnson
- C Bradley Bozeman
- RG Mekhi Becton
- RT Trey Pipkins III
Defense:
- LDE Justin Eboigbe
- NT Teair Tart
- RDE Naquan Jones
- WLB Tuli Tuipulotu
- LILB Daiyan Henley
- RILB Denzel Perryman
- SLB Khalil Mack
- LCB Donte Jackson
- SS Derwin James Jr.
- FS Elijah Molden
- RCB Cam Hart
- NB Tarheeb Still
Special Teams:
- PK Cameron Dicker
- P, H JK Scott
- PR, KR Derius Davis
- LS Rick Lovato
For the Chargers, the biggest advantage is the discrepancy in quarterbacks. Justin Herbert was a legitimate MVP candidate earlier in the season, and should function better than the QB on the opposite side of the field, which is Carson Wentz.
That alone should be able to get them over the hump. But, if not, Los Angeles could be staring at a 4-4 record midway through the year, with the hopes of a playoff berth, let alone a deep run in the postseason, shrinking by the minute.
