Vikings Getting Christian Darrisaw Hopes Up Again to Start Week 3

The Minnesota Vikings have mostly struggled over the first two weeks, and one of the biggest theories is the absence of left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Darrisaw has been working his way back from a torn ACL and MCL suffered last October and made steady strides throughout the offseason before being inactive for the Vikings’ first two games against the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons.

With a Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on the horizon, Darrisaw’s availability is once again a hot topic. But while ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports that Darrisaw will practice in full on Wednesday, it could be another case of getting fans’ hopes up for another letdown before Sunday’s kickoff.

Vikings Continue to Take Christian Darrisaw’s Injury Day-By-Day

The fact that Darrisaw is practicing in full on Wednesday is a great sign, but it should also be taken with a grain of salt. One week ago, it felt like Darrisaw was kept out of the season opener in Chicago as a precaution, and a full practice on Wednesday meant he would make his season debut against the Falcons.

The situation went downhill from there as Darrisaw logged limited practices on Thursday and Friday and was listed as out on the team’s final injury report. While head coach Kevin O’Connell commended Darrisaw for being in his current position, he also admitted his practice availability has been unique as he recovers from the injury.

“Christian’s kind of expectations and desire to be out on the field is driving everything right now, and he’s continuing to try to get to a place where not only he’s comfortable with that, but you know, he feels ready to go for what’s out in front of him, and what that means for this weekend remains to be seen,” O’Connell said during Wednesday’s press conference. “It is an ongoing process, and one that we all knew was coming and expected. 

"We’re still ultimately going to have a collaborative approach to each and every game and each and every day as part of a plan that gets set forth by the medical folks and people that I have total trust in to guide the way, along with Christian having a major role in it as well."

- Kevin O’Connell, Vikings HC

As one of the fixtures of the offensive line, it makes sense to play it safe with Darrisaw. Still, the Vikings' start along the offensive line indicates it would be great to get him back as soon as possible. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Justin Skule has allowed seven pressures and three sacks on 46 pass-blocking snaps in place of Darrisaw over the first two weeks. Skule also suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons, potentially paving the way for 2024 sixth-round pick Walter Rouse to start if Darrisaw can’t go on Sunday.

With Ryan Kelly’s status for Sunday’s game in doubt due to a concussion, the offensive line could use Darrisaw back in the fold. But fans will have to wait to see Thursday and Friday’s practice reports to get a better read on the situation.

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