Impact While Mattison was sidelined for this past Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals, Chandler stepped into the starting role and turned in the best performance of the season by a Vikings running back, finishing with 23 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown to go with three receptions for 25 yards on four targets. Though O'Connell stopped short of naming Chandler the Vikings' new No. 1 back, the coach's comments suggest that the second-year player has at the very least earned himself a larger share of the snaps and touches out of the backfield. Mattison remained sidelined Wednesday for the Vikings' first Week 16 practice, and even if he puts himself in a position to play Sunday, his lacking production on the ground (3.9 yards per carry, no touchdowns on 168 carries) and ball-security concerns (three total fumbles, two lost) could force him to settle for a secondary role behind Chandler.
DECEMBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
