Following their loss against the Eagles, the Vikings are at a pivotal point in the season. Their matchup against the Chargers will have huge implications for how the rest of the season plays out, as their upcoming schedule looks grueling and a 3-4 record is much different from a 4-3 record. Still, the Vikings have a chance in this one as the Chargers’ O-Line is banged up, and they’re reeling from a tough loss against the Colts. It’s not going to be easy, but if the Vikings want to get this win, they’ll have to look to a few key players to make the difference.
Aaron Jones (If he plays)
For Aaron Jones, this season has been a wash so far. He didn’t produce much in the first few games and has been sidelined for the past month with a hamstring injury. However, with his 21-day window opening, that could change this week. He and Jordan Mason were initially supposed to be featured in a split backfield, but with Jones’ absence, Mason has had to take on a bulk of the carries. Getting Jones back would give the Vikings’ running game a huge boost, and they’ll need to establish the run if Kevin O’Connell and co. are to defeat the Chargers on Thursday night.
Blake Cashman
Blake Cashman’s presence wasn’t very noticeable in his return to the Vikings during the Eagles game. However, it was his first game played in about a month of missed games and practices, so a little bit of rust is to be expected. Still, it would be huge to see Cashman step up in this matchup, especially in the passing game. Justin Herbert is an elite quarterback, so having a linebacker who can confuse Herbert and lurk the slant routes would be a huge boost for this defense.
Donovan Jackson
The aforementioned run game lives and dies with the O-Line, and like Cashman, rookie left guard Donovan Jackson is still reacclimating to the speed of the NFL. Jackson missed a few weeks with a wrist injury, but his rookie season has been quite impressive overall. If he can stay healthy, he can bring consistency to the guard position that Vikings fans have been craving for years. In his second game back, I expect the rookie lineman to make a big impact in one way or another.
Jonathan Greenard
Despite his numerous QB pressures this year, Jonathan Greenard has had trouble finishing sacks and getting to the quarterback. With the Chargers’ offensive line woes and Herbert’s lack of mobility, this is a perfect week for Greenard to finally break out and get the sacks we expect from him. Dallas Turner is in the same boat, but with Greenard, it only feels like a matter of time before he has a breakout game. What better time than on Thursday Night Football?
Carson Wentz
This could be Carson Wentz’s last start as the Vikings quarterback, and it will likely be an addendum on how he held up in J.J. McCarthy’s absence. He has gone 2-2 on the season, and both of the losses were against top-tier teams. That’s not to defend Wentz, as he looked lost against the Eagles and made some costly mistakes in the Steelers game. However, there have also been some very good moments, and if the Vikings are to win on Thursday, they’ll need to get more good than bad out of NDSU legend, Carson Wentz.
