Matt Daniels, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
There are few key openings on the Minnesota Vikings depth chart as they close in on Week 1. They’ll allow J.J. McCarthy to get a single start this preseason on Saturday against the Houston Texans.
From there they need to see if Jeff Okudah is the real deal, and decide how to handle Jordan Addison’s suspension. The cornerback room still seems like an area of concern, but one could moonlight at a different spot.
Isaiah Rodgers
Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Isaiah Rodgers signed this offseason as a new starting cornerback for the Vikings. He may also be the guy elevated to fill in on special teams.
Isaiah Rodgers drawing return interest for Minnesota Vikings
This offseason the Minnesota Vikings went after Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl-winning quarterback Isaiah Rodgers. The former sixth round pick has become a defensive stalwart at the highest level, and he’s also got some return experience. Vikings special teams coach Matt Daniels is pounding the table to use him there.
The Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer caught the back and forth between Daniels and defensive coordinator
Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said cornerback Isaiah Rodgers is an opening day option at kick returner, a position that should get more action this year as touchbacks now start offenses at the 35-yard line.
But Daniels said that will require some discussion among the coaching staff weighing the risk and reward of using a starting cornerback on special teams. Daniels wants Rodgers, whom he said might have the best “start-and-stop” ability on the team. Yet two other players — running back Ty Chandler and wide receiver Tai Felton — were returning kicks in practice.
“I’m still battling,” Daniels said. “We’ll see if I come out on top.”
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores sounded as if he wants his starting cornerback focused on playing defense.
“We want to put our best players out on the field on defense,” Flores said. “[Daniels] wants to put his best players on the field in the kicking game. Look, my career started on special teams. That phase is near and dear to me. … I understand, I get it. We’ll always put our heads together at the end.”
Star Tribune
It’s unclear whether Rodgers actually wants to return kicks or if it’s something concocted by the special teams unit. Still, with Brandon Powell no longer on the roster, and uncertainty regarding other options vaults him into view.
Rodgers has 69 career kick returns under his belt. He has averaged 27.1 yards per return and housed one (for 101 yards) as a rookie for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. Rodgers has only returned three punts, but that isn’t a role Minnesota is considering him for.
Related: Former MN Vikings First Round Pick Retires
If it’s not Rodgers, then the Vikings options get interesting. It’s still plausible that Ty Chandler doesn’t make the starting roster. Tai Felton could work his way into playing time through the return game, and so too could undrafted free agent Silas Bolden.
Kick returns get intriguing this year as well. Touchbacks result in the receiving team lining up at the 35-yard-line. At any rate, whether Rodgers returns kicks or not, the Vikings need him to stay healthy and productive.
Mentioned in this article: Isaiah Rodgers More About:Minnesota Vikings