Vikings Snag Yet Another Gut Punch Before 2025 Ends
Looking back, Minnesotans will have poor things to say about how 2025 unfolded. Or, at least, the Minnesotans who follow football.
The Vikings snagged another gut punch with the news of their starting left tackle, Christian Darrisaw. He is capable of offering elite play. But while that ability is in him, Darrisaw can’t offer it anymore due to needing some time in the infirmary: “Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announces the #Vikings will place T Christian Darrisaw on IR.”
Vikings Snag Another Gut Punch
In a lot of ways, the move makes sense.
The Vikings are working through the reality of a zero percent chance of getting into the playoffs. Pushing a key player to battle through a less-than-healthy knee would be foolish. Let Mr. Darrisaw take the time off he needs as he builds toward a bounce back in 2026. Wise and sensible.
Much of the concern, though, is that the LT1 doesn’t exist in isolation.
Darrisaw’s job is to function as one of the main bodyguards for J.J. McCarthy, the still-ascending quarterback who has worked through turmoil aplenty as a sophomore. Keeping his jersey clean is important if he’s going to continue growing. Even the world’s best passer has a tough time tossing passes when he’s being clobbered.
So, losing a top-tier LT1 stings.
The focus now shifts to Justin Skule, who is now the starting left tackle until notified otherwise. Quite possibly, Blake Brandel would be the next man up, but the depth lineman has been in high demand. He may get needed for fill-in duty at guard or center.
Another option is Walter Rouse, who hasn’t had the season he was hoping for when 2025 began.
Getting really frisky would mean tasking Donovan Jackson with jumping into a left tackle opening (were one to arise). He did so in college, helping Ohio State to win the national championship along the way. Doing the same in the NFL would be more challenging. The possibility exists nevertheless.
Christian Darrisaw is working under a contract extension that’s promising to pay $104 million across four seasons. A bargain if he fulfills his potential.
The main hindrance within his pro career has been his health (or lack thereof). The present season finishes with Darrisaw having played in ten games. He played in seven last year. At most, Darrisaw has been involved in fifteen, which occurred back in 2023 (another tumultuous one in the Twin Cities).
Christian Darrisaw, 26, will face ample doubt in the offseason. His task is to block out the noise while harnessing whatever motivation necessary for a robust, rugged 2026 season where he fulfills his elite potential.
You must be logged in to post a comment.