THE Minnesota Vikings fell out of playoff contention last season, but a team legend doesn’t think that will last.

One major factor contributed to the Vikings‘ drop out of the NFL postseason.

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Cris Carter revealed to The U.S. Sun how the Vikings can return to the playoffs in 2026Credit: Getty

JJ McCarthy is integral to the Vikings’ success next seasonCredit: Getty

The Vikings had a spectacular 14-3 season under Sam Darnold in 2024, however they didn’t see the same success last year.

With JJ McCarthy and others at quarterback, the Vikings finished with a 9-8 record and ended in the No. 8 seed, just one spot out of the playoffs.

The biggest reason they couldn’t grab just a few more wins was injuries, which Vikings legend Cris Carter says was the nail in the coffin for the team.

“They’re a perennial playoff team and they had horrific injuries this year,” Cris Carter told The U.S. Sun Via Casino.org, who review promotional codes for Kalshi.

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“All the offensive line changes, all the injuries. Just a little bit healthier and they’re going to have a spectacular season.”

The offensive line was the area most affected by the injuries in 2026.

Ryan Kelly, a new addition at center in 2025, barely played eight games while struggling with concussions. He might be forced into retirement because of the head injuries.

Right tackle Brian O’Neill missed three games, rookie Donovan Jackson missed three games, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw missed seven games.

The only member of the offensive line to play in all 17 games was Will Fries.

“They just need to get the guys healthy, get the guys they signed last year like Ryan Kelly,” Carter continued.

The constant shuffling of the offensive line certainly didn’t help McCarthy, who had a rough year statistically while also struggling with injuries.

He played just 10 games, but was 6-4 in those games. However, he passed for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

That’s on pace for just 2,774 yards with 19 touchdowns and 20 interceptions across a full season.

If he can get comfortable behind a steady offensive line, McCarthy and the Vikings could take a big step forward in 2026.