Laquon Treadwell Inactive vs. Panthers

Laquon Treadwell Inactive vs. Panthers
Image courtesy of Vikings.com

Minnesota Vikings first round draft pick Laquon Treadwell is inactive for today’s game against the Carolina Panthers. The team’s 2016 first round draft pick has been a quiet addition, playing in just a handful of snaps this season.

It’s the first “healthy scratch” of Treadwell’s young career and a disappointing development for the former Ole Miss star. In his place, Jarius Wright is active for the first time this season. Minnesota’s most veteran wide receiver will likely play his first snaps against the Panthers as the Vikings try to scoreĀ against Carolina’s stingy defense.

Other inactives include new addition Ronnie Hillman, recently injured Sharrif Floyd, and MyCole Pruitt, who is working his way back from an MCL injury.

The Vikings also announced a few starter changes. While a few may surprise, many of the movesĀ are either game plan dependent or strategic. Although Xavier Rhodes is active for today’s game, he’s listed as a backup to Trae Waynes. Minnesota may be playing mind games with Carolina, or, easing Rhodes back into the lineup. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rhodes start the game, even with Waynes listed as the starter.

On the other side of the ball, Matt Asiata will start at running back. Earlier this week, head coach Mike Zimmer named Jerick McKinnon the starter, giving the impression he’d open the game in the backfield with Sam Bradford. But this morning, the team gave starting duties to Asiata; like the Waynes-Rhodes decision, this may be another example of gamesmanship from Zimmer and the Vikings.

Elsewhere, T.J. Clemmings will replace Matt Kalil at left tackle and Shamar Stephen will man defensive tackle for Sharrif Floyd. Both Kalil and Floyd underwent surgeries this week that will keep them out for an extended period of time.

Panthers Inactives:

WR Brenton Bersin

WR Damiere Byrd

CB Teddy Williams

RB Jonathan Stewart

LB Jeremy Cash

G Tyler Larsen

DE Ryan Delaire

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