The Vikings’ Depth Chart Going into their Week 17 Game Against the Packers

NFL: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Thankfully, Justin Jefferson came out of the game in full health, meaning the Vikings’ depth chart still has its crown jewel fastened in place.

Recent forays into life without #18 haven’t been particularly fun for Vikings fans. No doubt, Jefferson makes the team considerably more dangerous. What’s concerning is simply that some significant injuries — most notably to T.J. Hockenson and D.J. Wonnum — are leaving Minnesota thinner as the final two games arrive.

NFL: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) is carted off with an injury against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, the quarterback position inspired no shortage of speculation and interest over the past few days. Nick Mullens was responsible for tossing a whopping 4 interceptions in the one-score loss to the Lions. The Vikings considered all of their options at QB before opting for the rookie replacement. Jaren Hall will be the starter in the prime time game against a divisional rival with the season on the line.

Patrick Jones is staring down a promotion within the Brian Flores defense. Injuries to Marcus Davenport and Wonnum have opened the door for the third-year player. His effort against Detroit was sensational, culminating in a trio of TFLs to go alongside his sack. The Vikings will be looking for the young edge rusher to keep making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Stunningly, the Packers will see one of their best players left out of their roster: CB1 Jaire Alexander. The brash corner got suspended for … deciding to go to the captain’s meeting at center field and call the coin toss. Odd times over in Cheese Land. Expect a pretty decent shuffle in Wisconsin after the season is over. In the meantime, look for Jefferson to roast whoever is assigned to guarding him.

Syndication: The Post-Crescent
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a pass against Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) during their football game Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Minnesota defeated Green Bay 24-10. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Otherwise, look for what Ty Chandler can do as the RB1, what Andrew Booth Jr. can do if the corner room continues to exhibit evidence of being in shambles, and whether K.J. Osborn can prove he deserves to stick around in Minnesota. Oh, and let’s not forget the battle that’ll be taking place up front as Minnesota tries to slow down Rashan Gary.

In short, the game is going to offer a pile of fascinating matchups, so stay tuned.

Kickoff is taking place tonight at 7:20 p.m. CST. Minnesota fans will be hoping their New Year’s party becomes a bit more festive after seeing the Vikings climb up to .500.

The Vikings’ Depth Chart: Week 17

Offense

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Mullens (not pictured) as Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton (1) defends during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback

QB1: Jaren Hall
QB2: Nick Mullens
QB3: Josh Dobbs

Running Back

RB1: Ty Chandler
RB2: Alexander Mattison
RB3: Kene Nwangwu

Fullback

FB1: C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver

WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Jordan Addison
WR3: K.J. Osborn
WR4: Brandon Powell

Tight End

TE1: Josh Oliver
TE2: Johnny Mundt
TE3: Nick Muse

Left Tackle

LT1: Christian Darrisaw
LT2: David Quessenberry

Left Guard

LG1: Dalton Risner
LG2: Chris Reed

Center

C1: Garrett Bradbury
C2: Austin Schlottmann

Right Guard

RG1: Ed Ingram
RG2: Blake Brandel

Right Tackle

RT1: Brian O’Neill
RT2: Hakeem Adeniji

Defense

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Outside Linebacker

OLB1: Danielle Hunter
OLB2: Patrick Jones
OLB3: Andre Carter
OLB4: Anthony Barr

Defensive Line

DT/DE1: Harrison Phillips
DT/DE2: Jonathan Bullard
DT/DE3: Sheldon Day
DT/DE4: Khyiris Tonga

Inside Linebacker

LB1: Ivan Pace
LB2: Jordan Hicks
LB3: Troy Dye
LB4: Brian Asamoah

Cornerback

CB1: Akayleb Evans
CB2: Mekhi Blackmon
CB3: Andrew Booth Jr.
CB4: NaJee Thompson

Safety

S1: Harrison Smith
S2: Cam Bynum
S3: Josh Metellus
S4: Jay Ward
S5: Lewis Cine

Special Teams

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) celebrates with punter Ryan Wright (14) after kicking a 36-yard field goal in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker

K1: Greg Joseph

Punter

P1: Ryan Wright

Long Snapper

LS1: Andrew DePaola

Kick Returner

KR1: Kene Nwangwu
KR2: Ty Chandler

Punt Returner

PR1: Brandon Powell
PR2: K.J. Osborn


K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]purpleptsd[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.