Vikings Release Week 1 Depth Chart with a Few Surprises
Adam Patrick
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Although it is titled as unofficial, the Minnesota Vikings released their latest depth chart on Tuesday. Nothing was too shocking about the players listed as starters, but the order of their backups is where things begin to get interesting.
On offense Shaun Hill is currently listed as the starting quarterback with Sam Bradford as his backup. Not too surprising here given that Bradford has not even been on the roster for five days.
The most shocking news of the day may be the listing of the Vikings running backs!
No, not really. Adrian Peterson is listed as the starter while Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata are listed as his backups (boring).
All kidding aside, the wide receiver portion of the depth chart may actually be the most interesting section. While it is no surprise that Charles Johnson and Stefon Diggs are listed as Minnesota’s starting wideouts, fifth-year receiver Jarius Wright is listed at the bottom of the depth chart.
What is the reasoning to explain for Wright’s apparent fall? Unsure as of now, but recent reports have come out that the team is trying to trade the wide receiver.
Despite not participating in Vikings’ training camp this summer or playing in any of the team’s preseason games, Rhett Ellison still finds his name listed as the second tight end on Minnesota’s depth chart behind Kyle Rudolph. His standing seems to bode well for his health, as his status for at least the beginning of the season was a bit in doubt.
The starting offensive line looks a little different than 2015 with the additions of left guard Alex Boone and right tackle Andre Smith. These two will join left tackle Matt Kalil, center Joe Berger, and right guard Brandon Fusco in creating gaping holes for Peterson to run through this season.
The starters listed on defense is the most un-exciting part of this chart. Come Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, the Vikings’ starting defense will feature the 11 players who started a majority of the team’s games last year.
It is a bit disappointing that cornerback Trae Waynes was unable to crack the starting lineup in his second season after Minnesota used a first round draft selection on him in 2015. Although, his time on the field will likely be an increase from his rookie year and he should have plenty of opportunities to overtake Terence Newman’s starting spot on the defense.
There may be a few changes before Sunday’s game but for now, this is the lineup the Vikings feel most confident about heading into Tennessee.