Vikings Injury News Is (Almost) Perfect
The 2025 season is finally here, and we’ve reached day two of the three weekly injury reports. On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings will face the divisional rivals at Chicago’s Soldier Field. The literal field raises some concerns, and the injuries of some players raise even more.
Vikings Injury News Is (Almost) Perfect
In the first injury report on Thursday, the Vikings listed a pair of stars as non-participants, but the takeaway from Friday’s document was largely optimistic. It was a walkthrough day, which means the team estimates if a player would’ve participated fully, limited, or not at all in case of a full practice.
Star left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who’s in the final days or weeks of his recovery from the severe knee injury suffered last October, missed Thursday’s practice entirely. On Friday, he was listed as a full participant, suggesting that his absence on Thursday was planned.
“I just know what my eyes have shown me, what Christian’s demonstrated has given us, through a really calculated plan, a good possibility of him playing on Monday night,” Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday.
Darrisaw was asked about his status the same day, and he replied, “I’ll leave that up to the training staff and [Kevin O’Connell]. I will do what they allow me to do every day. When I feel ready and they feel confident in me, I know I’ll be out there, playing at the same level as I was before.”
The Vikings need that “same level” from their franchise left tackle, who’s asked to protect new quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s blindside, while also helping in the running game. The difference from with to without him was visible last year, and having the standout blocker active would be a major boost to Minnesota’s offense.
If Darrisaw can log another full practice on Saturday, he’d seem likely to be available on Monday.
Speaking of standout players, the other big news belongs to Harrison Smith. The long-time safety has missed time with a mysterious illness, at least that’s what the issue is listed as. After getting some reps in a walkthrough on Wednesday and missing Thursday’s session, he was listed as a limited participant on Friday, indicating steps in the right direction.
It remains to be seen whether Smith can get fully ready in time for the game on Monday after an absence of a few weeks. If he’s out, expect to see more from Theo Jackson and from Jeff Okudah, while Josh Metellus’ role might change a little.
Two guys who practiced on Thursday and logged another full (estimated) practice on Friday are Andrew Van Ginkel and Jalen Nailor. They should be good to go on Monday.
The only two non-participants were depth players Elijah Williams and Zavier Scott, who are trending in the wrong direction and appear to be in danger of postponing their NFL debuts.
With Scott out, Ty Chandler is the clear RB3 behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Undrafted rookie Williams makes room for Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. If more depth is required along the defensive line, practice squad player Taki Taimani is the obvious choice for a gameday call-up.
Chicago, meanwhile, might be without two key starters on the defense. Star corner Jaylon Johnson, who would get the Justin Jefferson assignment, has been dealing with a groin injury and was limited on Thursday and Friday. Linebacker T.J. Edwards has a hamstring injury and missed both practices, indicating that he’s unlikely to play in Monday’s contest.
Both players are key defenders for Chicago, and an absence would be a major blow.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.