Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw is set to undergo surgery that will end his season due to torn ligaments in his left knee.
This comes as a significant setback for the team, which was riding high on an unbeaten streak just a week prior but has encountered multiple difficulties since.
Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Darrisaw suffered tears to both his ACL and MCL during a recent game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Following this injury, Darrisaw has been placed on injured reserve, creating an opportunity for tight end T.J. Hockenson to join the active roster.
Hockenson had been recovering from his own ACL and MCL injuries sustained last season. The timing of Darrisaw’s injury is particularly unfortunate, as it coincides with the Vikings grappling with various challenges as they prepare for their upcoming games.
The injury occurred late in the first half of the Vikings’ 30-20 defeat when Darrisaw was engaged in a block. During a play, safety Jaylen McCollough inadvertently collided with Darrisaw’s leg, leading to the serious injury.
O’Connell expressed his disappointment, acknowledging Darrisaw’s crucial role as a leader and pillar of the offense, noting that the team will need to step up in his absence.
Darrisaw was seen leaving the field with assistance and used crutches to exit SoFi Stadium. Veteran David Quessenberry took over his position for the remainder of the game, but the Vikings may need to seek additional depth at the tackle position.
Rookie Walter Rouse, a sixth-round pick from Oklahoma, is currently the only other tackle on the active roster aside from strong right tackle Brian O’Neill.
Darrisaw, a first-round draft pick in 2021 from Virginia Tech, has established himself as one of the premier left tackles in the NFL. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, he excels at protecting against top edge rushers and is effective in run blocking. Despite signing a lucrative four-year contract extension earlier this season, Darrisaw has yet to complete a full season due to various injuries.
The Vikings, currently 5-2, are preparing for their next matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, with hopes for a swift recovery for both Darrisaw and Hockenson.
