MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings released their first depth chart since they cut their roster to 53 over the weekend, and while the big news from it involves the fact Shaun Hill is listed ahead of Sam Bradford at quarterback, there are several other items to note.
-- Charles Johnson and Stefon Diggs, who spent most of the preseason as the top receivers in the Vikings' base offense, will start the season there, with Laquon Treadwell listed behind Johnson at one spot and Adam Thielen, Cordarrelle Patterson and Jarius Wright on the other side. A league source told ESPN last week the Vikings were exploring the possibility of trading Wright, and it appears he could have to push to be active on game days. The ability of players like Thielen and Patterson to contribute on special teams should put them on the field Sunday against Tennessee.
-- After moving T.J. Clemmings to both the left and right sides during the preseason, the Vikings have him listed behind Matt Kalil at left tackle, with Jeremiah Sirles as the backup to Andre Smith on the right side. Phil Loadholt’s retirement and Mike Harris’ illness sapped some of the Vikings' tackle depth, and among their five backup linemen, Clemmings and Sirles are the only ones with experience at tackle.
-- On the defensive side of the ball, while Brian Robison remains ahead of Danielle Hunter at left end, the Vikings should find snaps for all eight of their defensive linemen at various points. And Terence Newman, who turned 38 this week, is still entrenched as the starting left corner after a solid 2015 season. Trae Waynes is behind him, and the 11th overall pick in 2015 figures to continue to play on special teams while working toward a bigger role on the defense.
