Ty Chandler’s Roster Spot Is Hanging by a Thread

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (32) celebrates his touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

It’s early, but the running back position is something of an intriguing spot for the Minnesota Vikings this season, especially for Ty Chandler. They brought back veteran Aaron Jones and traded for Jordan Mason. That tandem appears to be capable of being among the best in the sport. Where does that leave Chandler, though?

Ty Chandler faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the Vikings’ 53-man roster. Here’s why his role in Minnesota is far from guaranteed heading into the season.

Last season, Kevin O’Connell saw general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acquire Cam Akers for the second consecutive season. It’s certainly possible he makes it happen for a third straight year if Minnesota wants to pry him from the New Orleans Saints. No matter what happens, though, it seems like running back Ty Chandler is hanging on by a thread.

Will Ty Chandler Make the Cut?

Rather than rolling with Chandler behind Jones last year, Minnesota opted for a veteran coming off a torn Achilles. Chandler was once positioned for a greater role within the Vikings’ offense. Unfortunately, he was never able to…run with it. Now in line for kick return duties, there doesn’t seem to be much of a greater purpose.

Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota running back Ty Chandler (32) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Chandler isn’t exactly young at 27 years old. He also has just 164 career attempts under his belt after three seasons in the league. Only once has he surpassed 200 yards, and he’s found the end zone just three times. It is fair to point out that he is adept as a pass-catcher and can contribute in the passing game. Realistically, though, so too can both of the backs in front of him.

The addition of Mason makes sense. It would be difficult to think that Jones will have a better year than the clean bill of health and career-best rushing total he put up in his first with Minnesota. An additional starting-caliber talent helps to lessen the load for Jones, and it also provides a safety net that should keep the starter fresh.

ty chandler
Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (32) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

The Vikings don’t necessarily need to go out and grab another running back, but if they deem someone as a better fit than Chandler, it would behoove them to do so. Chandler has already seemingly fallen out of favor, and he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal. Chandler isn’t going to be part of Minnesota’s plans, and he may not even factor into the immediate future.

It would be a disappointing end to something that was once trending so much better. In the NFL, though, unless you’re producing and separating, you’re falling behind.


Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, ... More about Ted Schwerzler