Former Tennessee Vols RB expected to have a bigger role in the NFL in 2024
Former Tennessee Vols running back Ty Chandler is poised for a bigger role in the NFL as he enters his third season with the Minnesota Vikings. Chandler, a fifth round pick by the Vikings in the 2022 NFL Draft, played at Tennessee from 2017 to 2020 before finishing his college career at North Carolina in […]
Former Tennessee Vols running back Ty Chandler is poised for a bigger role in the NFL as he enters his third season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Chandler, a fifth round pick by the Vikings in the 2022 NFL Draft, played at Tennessee from 2017 to 2020 before finishing his college career at North Carolina in 2021.
The Nashville native saw limited action as a rookie in 2022, rushing for just 20 yards in three games. Last season, however, Chandler made a bigger impact for the Vikings, totaling 461 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 17 games. He also caught 21 passes for 159 yards.
Veteran running back Aaron Jones, who signed a one-year deal with Minnesota earlier this offseason, is expected to serve as the Vikings' No. 1 running back. Chandler, though, is expected to received a heavier workload than he did last season.
"Jones will likely receive most of the carries, but I expect Chandler’s usage to increase," noted The Athletic's Alec Lewis this week. "He (Chandler) played 27 percent of the Vikings’ offensive snaps last season. I predict that number will climb."
Vikings defensive lineman Harrison Phillips suggested earlier this month that Minnesota has a true "one-two punch" at running back with Jones and Chandler.
“I see us as having a one-two punch at running back almost like they have in Detroit," said Phillips. "I don’t know if that’s what’s happening on the offensive side, but I know that we have two true No. 1 running backs. I’d buy stock in Ty Chandler if I could.”
Giving Chandler a bigger workload will allow the team to keep Jones fresh for the stretch run of the season. Jones, who will turn 30 in December, missed six games last season while battling a hamstring injury.
Chandler is an explosive runner who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He may not have made a huge impact during his first two years in the NFL, but it sounds like the former Vol is going to get a chance to shine in 2024 with the Vikings.
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