Who Steps up in Marcus Sherels’ Place?

Marcus Sherels' Place
Image courtesy of Vikings.com

With Minnesota Vikings punt returner Marcus Sherels out against the Chicago Bears, a few players may see extra special teams playing time on Monday Night. Sherels injured his wrist in the team’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week and will miss his first game since 2011 when he began fielding punts in purple and gold.

One player who could take his place is Cordarrelle Patterson, who was questionable entering the night but passed the NFL’s concussion protocol in time for Monday Night Football. He’s returned punts before but has primarily been a kick returner for the Vikings. Adam Thielen also fielded punts during the preseason but has never taken a regular season snap at the position.

The rest of Minnesota’s inactive players include:

Jarius Wright is out, making room for Laquon Treadwell to earn snaps in his hometown of Chicago. Hopefully, Treadwell’s on-field performance tonight matches the spectacle of his current, Cubs-inspired cleats. A catch tonight — fully possible against a depleted Bears defense — would mark the first of Treadwell’s young career.

In the backfield, Jerick McKinnon will sit with an ankle injury. Matt Asiata, who has two rushing touchdowns this season, is starting in McKinnon’s place. The Vikings also have Ronnie Hillman on the roster, but Hillman’s performance in Philadelphia was rather underwhelming; he carried the ball once for -6 yards.

On defense, rookie Jayron Kearse is starting in Andrew Sendejo’s place. Kearse relieved Sendejo early in the first quarter last week and chipped in three tackles for Minnesota’s defense. Fortunately for Kearse, the Bears are missing a few players on offense, including starting wide receiver Eddie Royal.

The Chicago Bears will also be without:

  • TE Daniel Brown
  • DB Bryce Callahan
  • DL Eddie Goldman
  • DB Deiondre’ Hall
  • RG Kyle Long
  • WR Eddie Royal
  • LG Josh Sitton

For those at home, that’s two starting guards, a starting wide receiver, and a starting cornerback missing the game for Chicago.

Share: