The Minnesota Vikings are having a tough season. Very few things are going right for the purple and gold this year, and their 4-8 record through 12 games shows just how rough things have been to this point.
Injuries, mistakes, and poor play have demolished the Vikings' chances of being contenders this year. In particular, the offense has felt the sting of having to start several backups on the offensive line or at quarterback.
Minnesota's offense and special teams could get one player back from injured reserve soon, if things go well in the next 21 days.
The Minnesota Vikings have opened the 21-day window for running back Ty Chandler to return to the team.
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings shared a post on X stating that head coach Kevin O'Connell informed the media that the 21-day evaluation period for running back Ty Chandler to return from short-term injured reserve is open.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has announced that the team is opening the 21-day evaluation window for running back Ty Chandler.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 3, 2025
The #Vikings have also signed Joaquin Davis to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/H0yg4i4UHJ
Chandler hasn't played since the season opener in Chicago against the Bears. In that game, he didn't have a rushing attempt, but did have three kickoff returns for a total of 84 yards, an average of 25.7 yards per return.
It was a knee injury against the Bears that sidelined the 27-year-old running back. The injury occurred on the opening kickoff, but Chandler toughed it out and finished the game to help Minnesota get the comeback win.
The Vikings have been attacking the running back position with a combination of Aaron Jones and Mason Jordan this season, with mixed results. Even though Jones hit a notable milestone last week and Jordan has had some good games, Minnesota needs to get its run game going to help out a struggling passing offense.
On special teams, Myles Price has handled kickoff returns and punt returns. Chandler could take kickoff returns off his hands when he returns and allow Price to focus more on returning punts and other special teams duties.
Every time it seems like the Minnesota Vikings are getting healthy, something happens to set the team back again. Last week, the team was without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, left tackle Christian Darrisaw, and left guard Donovan Jackson.
At least one of those three players should be back for the Vikings when they play the Washington Commanders this weekend, and it will be interesting to see if running back Ty Chandler will be able to take the field with them.