The Vikings’ Depth Chart Going Into their Week 6 Game at the Bears

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The losing team sits alone in the basement of the NFC North. Very few foresaw the Vikings being the division’s last place team after the initial third of the season, but that’s a possibility that is alive and well going into Week 6.

The Vikings’ depth chart doesn’t look too different, though there is one major change: Minnesota is welcoming a new WR1 into the fold. Justin Jefferson — the greatest receiver on planet earth and possibly in our galaxy — has been placed on the IR. Replacing him is as unlikely as a snowless Minnesota winter. Instead, the team’s offense will be looking for increased work from a variety of players even if rookie WR Jordan Addison becomes the WR1.

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) reacts with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) after scoring his first career touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins is at the helm of a sinking ship, seemingly resolute in his commitment to get his team back on track. He has been playing wonderful, demonstrating a poise and proficiency in the pocket that eluded the younger version of himself. The trade vultures are speculating about a swap even if an extension shouldn’t be entirely ruled out.

On defense, fans can turn their attention toward players capable of thriving in the present as well as the future. Or, put differently, the players who embody the GM’s competitive rebuild philosophy.

Camryn Bynum has been playing some excellent football after a tough year in the Ed Donatell defense. At 25, Bynum looks like a solution both in the present moment and the future. Akayleb Evans, 24, boasts a similar ability and Marcus Davenport, 27, does, too. These defenders should be watched closely throughout the season.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers
Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is pressured by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Marcus Davenport (0) and linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears, of course, are led by Justin Fields. His top option at receiver — D.J. Moore — is arguably the most underrated receiver in the NFL. Moore established his excellence in Carolina and has carried it over to Chicago, meaning the Brian Flores defense will need to be sharp.

One wonders if there will be an increased workload for players like Andrew Booth, Brian Asamoah, Andre Carter, Jaquelin Roy, Cam Akers, and many other younger Vikings. After all, the season is on the verge of completely slipping away and what the team has done so far hasn’t been working. An elevated snap count for several young Vikings won’t be super surprising.

Kickoff is scheduled to occur at 12 p.m. CDT and the game will take place at Soldier Field.

The Vikings’ Depth Chart: Week 6

Offense

NFL: 2023 Season Player Headshots
NFL Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury

Quarterback

QB1: Kirk Cousins
QB2: Jaren Hall

Running Back

RB1: Alexander Mattison
RB2: Cam Akers
RB3: Ty Chandler

Fullback

FB1: C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver

WR1: Jordan Addison
WR2: K.J. Osborn
WR3: Brandon Powell
WR4: N’Keal Harry
WR5: Trishton Jackson

Tight End

TE1: T.J. Hockenson
TE2: Josh Oliver
TE3: Johnny Mundt
TE4: Nick Muse

Left Tackle

LT1: Christian Darrisaw
LT2: David Quessenberry

Left Guard

LG1: Ezra Cleveland
LG2: Dalton Risner

Center

C1: Garrett Bradbury
C2: Austin Schlottmann

Right Guard

RG1: Ed Ingram
RG2: Blake Brandel

Right Tackle

RT1: Brian O’Neill

Defense

Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (40) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Outside Linebacker

OLB1: Danielle Hunter
OLB2: Marcus Davenport
OLB3: D.J. Wonnum
OLB4: Patrick Jones
OLB5: Andre Carter

Defensive Line

DT/DE1: Harrison Phillips
DT/DE2: Jonathan Bullard
DT/DE3: Dean Lowry
DT/DE4: Jaquelin Roy
DT/DE5: Khyiris Tonga

Inside Linebacker

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

Cornerback

CB1: Byron Murphy
CB2: Akayleb Evans
CB3: Mekhi Blackmon
CB4: Andrew Booth
CB5: NaJee Thompson

Safety

S1: Harrison Smith
S2: Cam Bynum
S3: Josh Metellus
S4: Theo Jackson
S5: Lewis Cine
S6: Jay Ward

Special Teams

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings
Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) kicks a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker

K1: Greg Joseph

Punter

P1: Ryan Wright

Long Snapper

LS1: Andrew DaPaola

Kick Returner

KR1: Ty Chandler
KR2: Brandon Powell

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.