Christian Darrisaw Comeback Rumor Gaining Steam
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw is on his way back — and his return could occur much sooner than expected.
Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw is on his way back from an injury recovery, and the latest rumor is encouraging.
Darrisaw, a Vikings franchise cornerstone, tore his ACL eight months ago in a game at the Los Angeles Rams, and Minnesota’s offensive line never really recovered, though it battled valiantly. The fifth-year tackle has focused on his ACL recovery since that October night, and new evidence suggests Darrisaw could be ready for Week 1.
It’s still up in the air for a final determination, but after Darrisaw showed up at mandatory minicamp last week, all signs pointed to a smooth recovery.
Paul Allen On Christian Darrisaw’s Return
Last week, KFAN’s Paul Allen, the radio Voice of the Vikings, delivered a bold take about Darrisaw’s recovery, claiming the lineman could, indeed, be ready for Week 1 after whispers about his return to start the season.
“If you’re out there running around with a giant brace, and you don’t have to be in minicamp, he’s going to start week 1. As crazy as it is, if I had to bet, he’s going to start Week 1,” Allen told Dustin Klug of the 612Vikings podcast.
As recently as three weeks or so ago, it was a hot take to suggest Darrisaw could be ready for Week 1. Now, the theory is closer to reality than ever.
Christian Darrisaw Already Back at Vikings Minicamp
At mandatory minicamp, several items arose, like J.J. McCarthy’s poise in live drills, Josh Oliver’s contract extension, and undrafted rookie Zemaiah Vaughn’s standout performance.
But no headline quite took the cake like Darrisaw trotting onto the field. Darrisaw could’ve stood on the sidelines all week, and no one would’ve questioned it. ACL recoveries take time and shouldn’t be rushed, but Darrisaw is evidently in an advantageous spot.
Put it this way: if Darrisaw were going to play on September 8th on Monday Night Football, this is precisely how the lead-up would go — a surprise appearance at minicamp, followed by credible commentary to suggest the man could be ready in time for the regular season.
A Change of Pace for Vikings Injury Recoveries?
It’s also worth noting that Minnesota, under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell, generally proceeds out of an abundance of caution regarding any injury recoveries. For example, tight end T.J. Hockenson tore his ACL — like Darrisaw — in December 2023 and didn’t return to the playing field until October 2024.
Or — last summer, Minnesota shut down J.J. McCarthy after his meniscus tear, when sometimes NFLers can return after a couple of months from that injury.
The Vikings usually tread carefully with injuries, so if Darrisaw is already trending toward Week 1, he must be in a truly favorable spot.
Contingency Plans for Darrisaw
In March, Adofo-Mensah signed a man named Justin Skule from free agency, a spot-starting swing offensive tackle. He may be on tap if Darrisaw does not make it for Week 1. Of course, he’s not as productive as Darrisaw, but he could do the trick in the meantime.
Minnesota also employs Blake Brandel, a starting guard from last year, who played offensive tackle upon entry into the NFL. Rookie guard Donovan Jackson also played tackle down the stretch at Ohio State — en route to a National Championship — showcasing his versatility.
O’Connell will have options if Darrisaw is held out of Week 1.
Other Darrisaw Takes
WCCO’s Anthony Bettin wrote about Darrisaw last week, “Darrisaw injured his ACL and MCL against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 24. Since being drafted 23rd overall in 2021, Darrisaw has been a standout on the Vikings’ line. The 26-year-old is considered one of the league’s best tackles, and the Vikings acknowledged as much when they gave him a massive contract extension last offseason.”
“In the wake of the injury, the Vikings traded for Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Cam Robinson. He started the remainder of the season for the Vikings, but fell well short of the bar set by Darrisaw. It’s unclear if Darrisaw will be ready for the start of next season and who would play in his stead if he’s not.”
Minnesota hits the road Week 1 for a date with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Bettin continued, “Robinson signed with the Houston Texans in free agency, but the Vikings signed swing tackle Justin Skule and have several other potential fill-ins on the roster. Whoever’s playing left tackle Week 1, he’ll be tasked with protecting J.J. McCarthy, the second-year would-be franchise passer for the Vikings.”
“He’ll also be part of a totally revamped offensive line, with new starters at left guard (rookie Donovan Jackson), center (Ryan Kelly) and right guard (Will Fries). Stalwart Brian O’Neill is still holding down the right tackle spot.”
Darrisaw protecting McCarthy as early as Week 1 is no longer an extreme long shot.
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