MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings are facing a significant challenge as their left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, is set to undergo season-ending surgery due to torn ligaments in his left knee. This unfortunate news comes just a week after the team boasted an undefeated record but has since experienced multiple setbacks.
Coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Friday that Darrisaw had suffered a tear in both his ACL and MCL during the Vikings’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Following this confirmation, he has been placed on injured reserve, creating an opportunity for tight end T.J. Hockenson to join the active roster after spending the first two months recovering from his own ACL and MCL injuries sustained late last season.
The injury occurred in the final moments of the first half during Minnesota’s 30-20 defeat. Darrisaw was engaged in a block against outside linebacker Jared Verse when safety Jaylen McCollough accidentally rolled into the back of Darrisaw’s leg while attempting a tackle.
O’Connell expressed his concerns regarding the loss of Darrisaw, noting his development into one of the team’s core leaders and an essential part of their offensive line. “It’s going to be a significant loss, but we’ve all got to do a little more, and it starts with me,” he commented, emphasizing the need for the team to rally together in Darrisaw’s absence.
After the injury, Darrisaw was helped off the field and required crutches to leave SoFi Stadium. Veteran David Quessenberry stepped in to replace him for the remainder of the game. With rookie Walter Rouse currently the only other tackle on the active roster, the Vikings may consider acquiring additional depth at the position behind reliable right tackle Brian O’Neill. Rouse was drafted in the sixth round from Oklahoma.
O’Connell indicated that Rouse would be part of the discussion regarding the revamped lineup, especially with guard Dalton Risner expected to return soon from a back injury that has kept him sidelined since the start of training camp. Blake Brandel, who played left tackle in three games during the 2022 season when Darrisaw was unavailable, may also be a candidate to fill in.
Darrisaw, a promising talent drafted in the first round of 2021 from Virginia Tech, has emerged as one of the NFL’s top left tackles. His ability to defend against elite edge defenders without requiring additional help and his effectiveness in run blocking underscore his importance to the team. He signed a lucrative four-year contract extension valued at over $100 million at the start of training camp.
Throughout his career, he has yet to complete a full season due to injuries, including a groin issue as a rookie and a concussion that sidelined him for three games last year. Darrisaw managed to play in a career-high 15 games last season.
The Vikings began the season strong with a 5-0 record but recently faced defeats against the Detroit Lions and the Rams, which placed them at 5-2. They will next face the Indianapolis Colts on November 3.
Interestingly, Hockenson’s injury occurred two months later than Darrisaw’s this season, which gives Darrisaw a hopeful timeline for returning by the start of the 2025 season.
“I know C.D. will be right back where he was this year, which is one of the best left tackles in football,” O’Connell remarked, expressing his faith in Darrisaw’s ability to bounce back stronger from this setback. “I love everything about the progression of his career right up until this moment.”