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Jalen Nailor Jalen Nailor Another TD in Week 2 win
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 10:11 PM
Nailor secured three of four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 23-17 win over the 49ers on Sunday.
Analysis: Nailor finished second in receiving yards to Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) and recorded his second touchdown in as many weeks to open the campaign on a 10-yard grab just past the midway point of the third quarter. Nailor had a chance for additional opportunity with Jordan Addison (ankle) missing the contest altogether and Jefferson exiting late in the third quarter, and if at least one is out for a Week 3 home showdown against the Texans, he could serve as the No. 2 wideout for Sam Darnold in what could be a high-scoring contest. |
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Ty Chandler Ty Chandler Outperforms Jones in win
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 10:05 PM
Chandler rushed 10 times for 82 yards in the Vikings' 23-17 win over the 49ers on Sunday. He was also sacked on a pass attempt.
Analysis: Chandler blew backfield mate Aaron Jones away in production, as he outgained the veteran back by a full 50 rush yards on just one additional carry. Chandler's lack of involvement in the passing game wasn't ideal, but considering he recorded three receptions in Week 1 and 21 last season in part-time duty, his absence from the air attack is likely just a one-game outlier. Chandler's explosiveness combined with the desire to keep Jones fresh throughout the long season and the latter's fumble at the shadow of the goal line Sunday should help lock in another solid role for Chandler in Week 3 against the Texans. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Downplays injury
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 4:43 PM
Following Sunday's win over the 49ers, Jefferson downplayed the bruised right quadriceps that he sustained during the contest, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports.
Analysis: "I'm not seriously injured," Jefferson noted after the game. "So that's the main important thing. So it's just all about getting to the training room, making sure my body is right for next week, and I'll be ready to go next Sunday." For his part, when discussing the star wideout's quad issue, coach Kevin O'Connell said, "it's pretty sore....(but) he's already up and moving, and we'll just treat that thing and hopefully he'll be day-to-day, and we'll see how his status looks for next week." In any case, added context regarding Jefferson's Week 3 status (versus Houston) will arrive no later than Wednesday when the Vikings return to practice. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones Outpaced by Chandler in win
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 4:06 PM
Jones rushed nine times for 32 yards and secured five of six targets for 36 yards in the Vikings' 23-17 win over the 49ers on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.
Analysis: Jones saw backfield mate Ty Chandler outpace him by one carry, although the former had a sizable pass-catching role while the latter was not involved as a receiver. Nevertheless, Jones' longest catch of the afternoon, an 18-yarder late in the third quarter, resulted in a fumble at the 49ers' two-yard line that San Francisco recovered. The miscue could have been very costly in a tight game, and it remains to be seen if it will cost Jones any opportunities in a Week 3 home matchup against the Texans. The veteran saw only one more touch following the loose ball, but Judd Zulgad of VikingsWire.com reports Jones was shaken up after that carry and examined for a possible rib issue before being seen running on the sideline afterwards. |
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Sam Darnold Sam Darnold Leads upset win short-handed
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 3:58 PM
Darnold completed 17 of 26 passes for 268 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and added five carries for 32 yards in the Vikings' 23-17 win over the 49ers on Sunday. He also committed two fumbles, recovering one.
Analysis: Darnold wasn't quite as efficient as he'd been during a Week 1 win over the Giants where he'd misfired on only five pass attempts, but considering he was missing Jordan Addison (ankle) from the onset of the game and then lost Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) late in the third quarter. Well before the latter's exit from the game, however, the duo connected for a 97-yard touchdown pass that served as the highlight of the afternoon, and essentially, the difference in the game. Darnold did take his lumps against an aggressive 49ers defense that sacked him three times and hit him an additional three times, jarring the ball loose twice. While Darnold and the Vikings were still able to escape with a high-quality victory, they will be hard-pressed to duplicate their success in a Week 3 home matchup against the Texans if neither Jefferson nor Addison are available for that contest. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Has quad contusion
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 3:34 PM
Coach Kevin O'Connell said after Sunday's 23-17 win against the 49ers that Jefferson suffered a bruised quadriceps in the contest, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: On the play that precipitated his departure late in the third quarter, Jefferson took a hit to his upper right leg that caused him to stay on the turf for a bit before going to the sideline tent and then locker room. O'Connell told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com that Jefferson is "pretty sore," and "hopefully" the wide receiver will be day-to-day. As a result, Jefferson's status will be one to monitor closely as the Vikings gear up for a Week 3 matchup with the Texans next Sunday, especially with fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison sitting out Week 2 with a sore right ankle. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Hurts quad in Week 2
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 2:25 PM
Jefferson suffered a quadriceps injury during Sunday's game versus the 49ers, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Jefferson took a hit to his upper right leg late in the third quarter and remained down on the ground before going to the sideline tent, and eventually, the locker room. At the time of his departure, his line read 4-133-1 on seven targets, including a 97-yard touchdown catch. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Exits Sunday's game
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 2:20 PM
Jefferson left Sunday's game against the 49ers due to a leg injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Jefferson remained on the turf for a spell before making his way to the sideline tent near the end of the third quarter. He then went to the locker room. Prior to his exit, Jefferson recorded four catches (on seven targets) for 133 yards and one touchdown, a line fueled by a 97-yard score. |
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Myles Gaskin Myles Gaskin Elevated for Week 2
Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 3:29 PM
The Vikings elevated Gaskin from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
Analysis: Gaskin will be elevated to the active roster for a second straight week, and he will serve as the No. 3 running back behind Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler for Sunday's game against the 49ers. Gaskin played seven snaps (two on offense, five on special teams) and rushed for minus-three yards on one carry in the Vikings' Week 1 win over the Giants. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Won't play this week
Fri, Sep 13, 2024, 1:32 PM
Addison (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Analysis: With Addison out due to soreness in his right ankle, Brandon Powell and Jalen Nailor are candidates to see added work behind Justin Jefferson in Week 2. Addison's next chance to play will arrive Sunday, Sept. 22 against the Texans. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Not looking good for Week 2
Fri, Sep 13, 2024, 12:23 PM
Addison (ankle) isn't practicing Friday and thus seems unlikely to play Sunday against the 49ers, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Addison sprained his left ankle in August but made it back for Week 1, only to sprain his right ankle in a win over the Giants. He hasn't practiced at all this week, which likely leaves Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell to join Justin Jefferson in three-wide formations come Sunday. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Missing from Thursday's practice
Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 2:45 PM
Addison (ankle) wasn't spotted on the field at Thursday's practice, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: With Addison set to miss a second consecutive practice, he'll likely need to get back on the field Friday as at least a limited participant to have a realistic chance at playing in Sunday's game against the 49ers. Should Addison's right ankle injury keep him inactive Sunday, Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell would likely be featured more prominently in three-receiver sets alongside No. 1 option Justin Jefferson. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Not practicing Wednesday
Wed, Sep 11, 2024, 1:29 PM
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Addison (ankle) won't take part in Wednesday's practice, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Instead, Addison will focus on treatment of his right ankle to begin Week 2 prep after injuring it during this past Sunday's win at the Giants. O'Connell told Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Monday that he was "hopeful" Addison will be able to play Sunday against the 49ers, but the receiver may have to mix into drills Thursday and/or Friday in order for the Vikings to feel comfortable making him active. Brandon Powell and Jalen Nailor are next up for reps at wide receiver behind top option Justin Jefferson in Minnesota's offense. |
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Brandon Powell Brandon Powell Held without a catch Week 1
Wed, Sep 11, 2024, 9:29 AM
Powell was not targeted during Minnesota's 28-6 win over the Giants in Week 1.
Analysis: Powell did return one punt for one yard, but that was the extent of his involvement on the stat sheet in a dominant showing by the Vikings. The Jets downed two punts and sent another three out of bounds, so Powell's involvement as Minnesota's primary punt returner could grow Week 2 against the 49ers on Sunday. He'll also figure to step into a larger offensive role behind Justin Jefferson should Jordan Addison (ankle) be limited at all due to injury. |
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C.J. Ham C.J. Ham Loses fumble in season opener
Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 1:24 PM
Ham had two receptions for 11 yards on two targets in Sunday's win over the Giants. He also uncharacteristically lost a fumble.
Analysis: Ham played on 19 of the offense's 55 snaps, as the blocking fullback went out on a surprising eight routes. He only gets a few touches a game at best, so don't expect more from the savvy veteran. |
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Johnny Mundt Johnny Mundt Two receptions in season opener
Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 1:21 PM
Mundt had two receptions for 15 yards on three targets in Sunday's win over the Giants.
Analysis: Josh Oliver got the start at tight end and had 27 snaps on offense compared to 29 for Mundt. Oliver had similar production with two receptions for 27 yards on three targets. While neither tight end was a major factor in the passing attack, that could change if Jordan Addison misses time with an ankle injury. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Two receptions in season opener
Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 1:19 PM
Oliver started at tight end and had two receptions for 27 yards on three targets in Sunday's win over the Giants.
Analysis: Oliver had 27 snaps on offense compared to 29 for Johnny Mundt, who had three targets and two receptions for 15 yards. While neither tight end was a major factor in the passing attack, that could change if Jordan Addison misses time with an ankle injury. Still, Oliver is still mostly a blocking tight end who can catch an occasional touchdown. |
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Myles Gaskin Myles Gaskin Just one carry in season opener
Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 1:15 PM
Gaskin lost three yards on one carry on his lone snap on offense in Sunday's win over the Giants.
Analysis: Gaskin is the No. 3 running back but won't get much usage as long as Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler are healthy. Gaskin did get five snaps on special teams, mostly on kickoffs, so he could be a factor at some point as a returner. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Hopeful for Week 2
Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 1:13 PM
Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday he's "hopeful" that Addison (ankle) will be available versus the 49ers in Week 2, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Analysis: O'Connell said that Addison, who was forced out of Sunday's win over the Giants in the third quarter, is dealing with "significant soreness" in his right ankle. Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports that O'Connell also said the Vikings will be "smart" with Addison and that the second-year wideout's availability will depend on how he responds to treatment. If Addison does have to miss any time, an increased role behind Justin Jefferson could fall to Jalen Nailor, who scored a 21-yard touchdown on his only reception Week 1. |
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Jalen Nailor Jalen Nailor Scores TD in season opener
Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 1:00 PM
Nailor had one reception (on one target) for a 21-yard touchdown in Sunday's win over the Giants.
Analysis: Nailor played just 26 of 55 snaps on offense and was out-snapped by Brandon Powell (30 snaps) even though he had clearly won the No. 3 receiver role in the preseason. The Vikings may have capped Nailor's snaps after he had a sore ankle that limited him in practice last week. If he's fully healthy, he could have a much larger role in the offense next week against the 49ers if Jordan Addison misses time with an ankle injury. |
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