With the Vikings’ season opener against the New York Giants five days away, the team released an unofficial depth chart for Week 1 on Tuesday. It’s their first depth chart since cutting the roster down to 53 players last week.
Of note, Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels announced that running back Ty Chandler would be the team’s primary kick returner. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore, signed as a free agent on two weeks ago, is slotted into a starting spot along with Byron Murphy Jr. Shaq Griffin and Akayleb Evans are listed as the second team, followed by Fabian Moreau and undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern.
Gilmore is among five new Vikings listed as defensive starters, joining Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman and Jerry Tillery. The offense has three new starters: quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Aaron Jones and left guard Blake Brandel.
Backups: Nick Mullens, Brett Rypien