The Vikings will be without safety Harrison Smith during tonight’s game against the Bears. Minnesota’s offensive line could also be shorthanded during the team’s season opener. 
Christian Darrisaw missed most of the 2024 campaign due to ACL and MCL tears. The standout left tackle has spent the offseason rehabbing his knee, and he managed to return to practice in June. At that point, however, Darrisaw had yet to receive full medical clearance.
The 26-year-old continued to make progress through the summer, and he was listed as a full participant in practice for the past two days. In spite of that, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes Darrisaw is not a lock to suit up tonight (video link). A cautious approach would come as little surprise given the 26-year-old’s importance to Minnesota’s offense.
Darrisaw inked a $26MM-per-year extension last summer, and he is under contract through 2029 as a result. The Vikings’ offensive line will depend on him this season and well beyond that point, so making sure he is back to full strength before playing him would be an understandable approach. Should Darrisaw sit out tonight (or any further games early in the year), though, the Vikings will be notably shorthanded on the blindside.
One of Minnesota’s top priorities this offseason was improving along the offensive line. Ex-Colts Will Fries and Ryan Kelly were added at guard and center, respectively. They will be joined by veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill and first-round rookie Donovan Jackson as starters. It will be interesting to see if Darrisaw is present as well for quarterback J.J. McCarthy‘s regular season debut.
LET HIM GET FULLY, 100%, FRESH OUT THE PACKAGE HEALED BEFORE HE PLAYS.
Not really a giant loss as far as production goes.
He’s top 2
In what? Left tackles on the team?
Zero time pro bowl, zero time second team all pro, zero time first team all pro.
Oh my word. You dont know ball.
He has accomplished nothing. He has played 0 full seasons and is made of glass.
Zero individual awards or accolades. 7 other OL drafted after him have given more weighted AV than him.
Dan Moore taken in the 4th round has a similar career and that is saying a lot about a former 1st round pick.
Absolutely horrible take. I can’t continue engaging if this is what you truly believe. A complete waste of my time and I’m upset Im even writing this.
I mean I have put out facts you have rejected them and just said hood things like “you don’t know ball” without any substantive backing to your claim.
My claim, is that he isn’t that good. He hasn’t had a single noteworthy individual achievement, that over a half dozen other OL taken AFTER him in the draft have higher weighted career AV, and that he is injury prone because he’s never played a full season. All of these are indisputable facts.
But because you said you don’t know ball just means all that is ridiculous and should be dismissed.
OK kid.
Not reading this
That is the hallmark of losing an argument. Thanks.
Not reading this as well
Must not “know ball” dawg, no cap.
Ignoring this
Tyler, just address what I brought up. Of not jist say I’m right.
I’m not reading this
Off subject, but a big comeback win for the Vikings tonight. McCarthy was bad until McConnell started running the ball with Mason. McCarthy finally shows he can throw down the field before sealing the game with a TD run. Where did the Bears defense go during the last quarter?