Familiar Monster Shows up for Vikings in Week 13
Last week, when the Minnesota Vikings lost at the Green Bay Packers, the team featured its best bill of health all season. Fast forward to Week 13, and crucial injuries have reemerged, threatening to sideline offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw and guard Donovan Jackson.
A familiar monster resurfaced for the Vikings in Week 13, as injuries along the offensive line once again threatened to derail the offense.
Friday will provide a final verdict, but Darrisaw and Jackson have not practiced this week, making their Week 13 availability at Seattle quite unlikely.
No Christian Darrisaw or Donovan Jackson for Vikings thru 2 Days of Practice
If you were looking for a healthy offensive line, that’s probably not happening against the Seahawks.
Darrisaw, Jackson Don’t Practice
Two days have passed in Week 13, and Darrisaw + Jackson have not practiced. That usually indicates a negative trajectory for gameday.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Thursday, ‘Both those guys — they will not participate today. Donovan obviously dealing with his ankle, and it’s sore, but we’ve had conversations about seeing what the rest of his week looks like as possibly being available for this week.”
“At the same time, he’ll have to kind of improve from where he’s at right now to have a chance to play, which is very possible. Christian is working through just some soreness, but hopefully we’ll have a chance to get him some work here as the week goes on and determine his status for the game.”
Darrisaw is battling a knee and foot ailment. Jackson’s ankle is bothering him.
Next Men Up Just in Case
While Darrisaw and Jackson could rally Friday and practice, it’s probably best for fans to expect the worst. The pair would’ve practiced by now if Week 13 were in play.
Suppose Darrisaw is out. The Vikings would turn to Justin Skule, who replaced David Quessenberry during free agency as the primary backup tackle. Skule has tallied a 58.1 Pro Football Focus grade this season.
For Jackson, Blake Brandel would likely fill in at left guard, a job title he held last year before Jackson joined the team in the draft. Brandel previously played center this season during Ryan Kelly’s absence and did so commendably.
A Rookie QB in the Mix
Speaking of injuries, the Vikings likely won’t have J.J. McCarthy this weekend. He’s battling a brutal first season as a starter, in addition to a concussion that he suffered at Lambeau Field five days ago.
McCarthy has practiced in a limited capacity this week, and all signs point to undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer for Week 13 in Seattle. Brosmer showed alluring promise during the preseason, but nobody knows if that will carry over to the regular season.
Without Darrisaw and Jackson, Brosmer would face a gloomy assignment at the Seahawks with a couple of replacement players protecting his blindside.
Friday as the Smoking Gun
Wednesday and Thursday have not bode well for Darrisaw and Jackson, but Friday should render the big verdict. If neither man practices in Eagan, the team will rule the duo out for Week 13 and let it ride with Skule and Brandel.
Not for nothing, Minnesota showcased its full starting offensive line for the first time this season against the Green Bay Packers last weekend. The group lasted one week. It seems the club will return to a patchwork group.
More Injury Context
A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness noted on the Vikings’ injuries this week, “Sunday afternoon is going to be a big game for the Vikings. There is a chance they can make the playoffs in the NFC, but it’s a very strong conference, and wins will need to come sooner than later.”
“A win over the Seahawks will go a long way to getting a playoff berth. No Darrisaw or Jackson is concerning, but it doesn’t mean everything. They both left Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with their injuries. However, not practicing on both Wednesday and Thursday is seriously concerning.”
Minnesota is expected to lose at Seattle by about 12 points, according to oddsmakers.
Forness added, “Jonathan Greenard being limited makes sense after missing the last two games of the season. Hopefully, he takes a step forward, especially with Dallas Turner now on the report. However, staying limited is a good sign. Friday will tell us everything. McCarthy being limited just two days after entering concussion protocol is a good sign for the Vikings.”
“Will that mean he ends up playing? Probably not, but it’s a good thing nonetheless.”
The Vikings have won just one game at Seattle in their last six attempts.
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