In a thumping by the Cowboys today, the Vikings offensive line took a big hit. Second-year starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw was knocked out of the game with a concussion, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. With a Thursday night matchup against the Patriots incoming quickly just four days away, this would be an opportunity to see how seriously the NFL will take its new concussion protocols. Fortunately for Darrisaw, head coach Kevin O’Connell has no intentions of rushing the 23-year-old back onto the field, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. O’Connell told reporters that they intend to be cautious with Darrisaw and won’t play him on Thursday, giving him a full two weeks to come back. 
Since being drafted 23rd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Darrisaw has certainly played up to his draft stock. After missing the beginning of his rookie season with an injury, Darrisaw quickly came into the starting left tackle job and, aside from a two-week absence later on in his rookie year, he’s held down the spot ever since.
As one of the premier players on a Vikings team that has exceeded all expectations this season, O’Connell’s decision makes perfect sense. At 8-2, Minnesota is eons ahead of the second-place team in their division, the Lions (4-6). Even the usually mighty Packers are far behind at 4-7. This cushion makes it an easy decision for the head coach. No need to rush their young, star blindside blocker back in a short week and risk doing far more harmful damage to a player who could lead their offensive line for years to come.
If all works according to plan, Darrisaw will be able to return in time for the team’s Week 13 matchup against the Jets. In Darrisaw’s absence, the Vikings have a couple avenues they can explore. When he left the game today, Minnesota replaced Darrisaw with Blake Brandel. They can stay with that route and give Brandel the first start of his NFL career or they can start Olisaemeka Udoh, who has much more starting experience. The downside is, while Udoh does have experience at tackle, his starting experience was at right guard.
With rookie sixth-round pick Vederian Lowe and veteran Chris Reed dealing with injuries, as well, that only leaves Austin Schlottmann from today’s gameday roster as another available option. Schlottmann isn’t a great option, as he is fairly exclusively an interior lineman, so it looks like the job to replace Darrisaw next week will be between Udoh and Brandel.
Pray Cousins doesn’t get killed without Darrisaw. OLine blows.