The Vikings News that Could Most Impact Week 1
Soon and very soon, the Vikings news is going to arrive in a different way. After all, the NFL regular season gets going tomorrow, so the days of speculation are coming to an end.
What ought to be at the top of everyone’s mind is the status of left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The fifth-year veteran has proven to be an excellent player, one who fully justifies the team’s hearty financial commitment. What remains to be seen is if he’ll be on the field for Week 1 and the remainder of the season.
The Vikings News & Christian Darrisaw’s Recovery
Start off with an obvious reality: Minnesota has not been immune to injury. Far from it, in fact.
Most notably, there was the hamstring ailment that kept Justin Jefferson on the sideline for most of August. Minnesota appeared to be welcoming abundant caution with their most important player, but there may have been some concern nevertheless (especially since Jefferson has previously missed time due to a hamstring injury, losing seven full games in 2023).
One then thinks of the more serious injuries: Rondale Moore, Zeke Correll, Matt Nelson, Gavin Bartholomew, C.J. Ham, Tyler Batty, and so on. Furthermore, Vikings legend Harrison Smith is working through an uncertain injury while Jalen Nailor tries to get back in time to be the team’s WR3.
But then one wonders about Christian Darrisaw. The regular season arrived and there was no placement on the IR or PUP list. Clearly, there’s an expectation that the LT1 will be on the field before too long. No, not ironclad certainty for Week 1, but a nice hint nevertheless.
Plus, there have been all kinds of positive updates throughout the offseason. The offensive lineman got onto the field in training camp. Not a full workload, but a workload. Suffering such a major injury in Week 8 of last season meant that nothing was assured for Darrisaw going into the 2025 season, but the tackle has evidently been putting in some major work to get back into action.
What’s next? Just the injury reports that are going to arrive. We’re in a game week, folks, meaning that Minnesota will be releasing multiple injury reports to keep onlookers abreast of the roster’s health. Pulling up the update and not seeing Christian Darrisaw’s name would be tremendous news for the Vikings.
Indeed, we’re dealing with a situation where no news is good news. Absolutely no mention of Darrisaw on the injury report would mean that Darrisaw is stepping onto the field in Week 1.
If so, then J.J. McCarthy — the 22-year-old sophomore who is getting his NFL career off the ground on Monday Night Football — can stand a little taller. Guys like edge rusher Montez Sweat, defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo, and linebacker T.J. Edwards are strong football players. Keeping them away from Mr. McCarthy is paramount.
Seeing an injury report (or multiple reports) where Christian Darrisaw is so healthy that he doesn’t even warrant seeing his name typed out would qualify as some wonderful news for the organization. Even seeing a questionable designation, though, wouldn’t be bad news, especially when partnered with the positive trajectory of the offseason.
Kickoff for the upcoming Vikings and Bears game will take place on Monday, September 8th. The ball is going to get put into play at 7:15 p.m. CT.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
