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 score 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 moves 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.
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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If Charles Johnson was looking a little more engaged in these first couple games I would be fine with Quan not playing much, but Johnson hasn't exactly been tearing it up. If anything he looks like a guy slowly coming back from an injury which is what we saw derail his season last year. Maybe that changes today, but if he can't start making an impact with what I expect will be extra attention being paid to Diggs, then I would rather have Laquan out there. At least he can block on the edge, and with more carries coming for McKinnon that might be a bit more valuable attribute as we get into the season.
I agree 100%,and called out Johnson last week.Once again he was Mr Annonymous,it's time to sit him and let Laquon and Jarius share the snaps.
The Vikings are out of their minds to leave this kid off the active roster. His blocking alone is worth a starting spot, not to mention he is more than capable of running all the basic routes. He may not get big time separation, but he makes up for it with amazing hands and body control. Unless he is injured, this kid should be playing.. bottom line!