There’s a Christian Darrisaw Update, and It Isn’t Good
The Minnesota Vikings lost their second consecutive game. After dropping the contest in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, a painful but acceptable loss considering Detroit’s team, Kevin O’Connell’s franchise also lost to the Los Angeles Rams, primarily because of sloppy play on both sides of the ball.
There’s a Christian Darrisaw Update, and It Isn’t Good
The Vikings called a standard run play on what should’ve been the final play of the first half. Aaron Jones was tackled quickly, but unfortunately, Rams safety Jaylen McCollough hit Minnesota’s star left tackle Christian Darrisaw low, resulting in a knee injury.
The replays didn’t look good, and neither did the way he was helped off the field. After the game, Kevin O’Connell was non-committal on any diagnosis.
On Friday, the devastating news arrived. The standout player will reportedly not return this season.
Ian Rapoport tweeted on Friday afternoon: “Vikings standout LT Christian Darrisaw suffered a knee injury that will require season-ending surgery, per source after the MRI. Brutal.”
Other insiders like Adam Schefter confirmed the news.
Darrisaw is one of the team’s top players and he is playing at a premium position. His absence is a huge blow for Minnesota’s offense. He is a dominant force in the run game and can keep the pocket clean for passers better than anyone.
A super athlete, Darrisaw possesses the technique and fundamentals to match his power and quickness, which is why he is a near-perfect left tackle.
Prior to the season, Darrisaw signed a huge contract extension worth up to $113 million for four seasons. He is worth every penny, but his 2024 campaign seems to be limited to only seven games.
Darrisaw has missed games in each of his four seasons. He played 12 contests in his debut season because of an offseason core muscle surgery, but he looked promising once he stepped onto the field. Entering year two, he drew comparisons to future Hall of Famer Trent Williams, and he indeed dominated, playing in 14 regular season games because of a pair of concussions. His ankle kept him out of two matchups in 2023.
Through three-and-a-half seasons, Darrisaw has been a homerun draft choice made by Rick Spielman in what would be his final draft with the club in 2021. The former Virginia Tech standout has yet to receive any accolades and has neither traveled to a Pro Bowl nor gotten any All-Pro recognition.
Still, he is one of the best players in football, and his injury will be a massive downgrade in both the running and the passing game. David Quessenberry is the team’s backup swing tackle. The veteran is experienced (74 games, 30 starts) and a decent pass-blocker, but he can’t equally replace the starter.
Injuries are part of the game, and the next-man-up mentality is preached all the time, but there are a handful of players a team can’t afford to lose, and Darrisaw is one of those guys.
The Vikings are now 5-2 and have a mini-bye week to get ready for the game against the Colts.
One can only wonder if the Vikings are suddenly looking for a new left tackle on the trade market.
Darrisaw, 25, will be back next season.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt