Vikings Still Waiting for Christian Darrisaw
Kirby O'Connor
|
Minnesota Vikings fans will have to wait at least one more week to get a look at their 2021 first round pick. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw found his way on the injury report again Friday and has officially been listed as out for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Darrisaw’s absence isn’t unexpected after his surgery late in the preseason, but it continues into a crucial Week Two for the Vikings. Last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Vikings had 12 accepted penalties go against them, many of which were committed by the offensive line.
Even if the offensive line cleans up its laundry and plays clean, the Vikings still have a stout task in front of them. Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones had a historically good Week One against the Tennessee Titans, recording five sacks.
Five sacks in a game is good for a tie for the eighth most since sacks started to be recorded by the NFL. Against the Vikings, Jones already has four and a half career sacks over three games.
Jones will likely line up continually over veteran left tackle Rashod Hill. Hill has shown his value in the past as a decent backup. However, he has also shown why he cannot be relied on as a starter, here’s two examples from the game against the Bengals:
If he was available, Darrisaw wouldn’t start Sunday regardless. He hasn’t played at all since joining the Vikings, and we aren’t sure how much practicing he’s even gotten done. However, having Darrisaw available to come in and relieve Rashod Hill could be critical in close, must win games.
Last Sunday was already an example of needing depth, with backup linebackers and defensive backs coming and going as necessary. The NFL season is long and grueling, and it won’t slow down for the Vikings anytime soon.
Come 4pm or so Sunday, Minnesota could be in a position that every game becomes live or die. Rick Spielman better hope that his first round choice is ready to go by then, or he could start feeling his seat get a bit hotter.