The Minnesota Vikings bring a 3-0 record into Week 4, while the Miami Dolphins are still searching for their first win. The Vikings have opened the season with victories over Green Bay, Chicago and Tampa Bay, while Miami is 0-3, losing all three games by at least 14 points. The two teams meet Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota will be without Justin Jefferson, Charles Demmings and punter Brett Thorson. Jefferson’s ankle injury is the biggest blow after he left last week’s win over Tampa Bay. Miami also has several players dealing with injuries and has lost running back De’Von Achane for the season with a torn ACL.
The Vikings now have to lean on their depth. Kyler Murray remains the starting quarterback, while Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson could see more work with Jefferson sidelined.
Here’s a look at how the Vikings’ depth chart could line up against the Dolphins.
Vikings Offense Starting Lineup and Depth
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Quarterbacks: Kyler Murray (Starter), Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer
Running Backs: Aaron Jones Sr. (Starter), Demond Claiborne, DeeJay Dallas
Fullbacks: Max Bredeson (Starter)
Wide receivers: Justin Jefferson (Questionable), Tai Felton, Jordan Addison(Starter), Jeshaun Jones, Jauan Jennings(Starter), Myles Price
Tight Ends: T.J. Hockenson (Starter), Gavin Bartholomew
Offensive Line: Christian Darrisaw (Starter), Ryan Van Demark, Donovan Jackson (Starter), Joe Huber, Blake Brandel (starter), Michael Jurgens, Nick Samac, Will Fries (Starter), Trevor Keegan, Brian O’Neill (Starter), Caleb Tiernan
Blake Brandel is listed first at center, followed by Michael Jurgens and Nick Samac. Will Fries starts at right guard, with Trevor Keegan behind him.
The offensive line will have an important job Sunday. Minnesota currently ranks 32nd in the NFL in total yards per game at 238.3, despite being unbeaten. The Vikings have relied heavily on their defense and need more consistency from the offense as the season moves forward.
Vikings Defense Starting Lineup and Depth
Defensive Line: Jalen Redmond (Starter), Caleb Banks, Levi Drake Rodriguez(Starter), Domonique Orange, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (Starter), Elijah Williams
Linebackers: Dallas Turner (Starter), Chaz Chambliss, Andrew Van Ginkel (Starter), Bo Richter, Blake Cashman (Starter), Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson (Starter), Jake Golday
Cornerbacks: Isaiah Rodgers (Starter), James Pierre, Zemaiah Vaughn, Byron Murphy Jr. (Starter), Charles Demmings
Safeties: Harrison Smith (Starter), Theo Jackson, Jacob Thomas, Joshua Metellus (Starter), Jay Ward, Jakobe Thomas
The Vikings have enough depth to absorb their defensive injuries, but the secondary is worth watching. Demmings is out, while Smith was managed during the week. Against Miami, Minnesota will need to keep Malik Washington and the Dolphins’ other receivers in front of the defense.
The biggest advantage for Minnesota is its pass rush. Dallas Turner and the Vikings’ pressure package will be a major problem for a Miami offense averaging only 12 points per game. Miami has also allowed opponents to pressure its quarterback while failing to record a sack of its own through three games.
