With their playoff hopes all but mathematically extinguished at 4-8, the Minnesota Vikings are playing out the string-but that doesn’t mean the final five games are meaningless. There’s still development to be done, evaluations to be made, and maybe, just maybe, some positive momentum to build heading into 2026.
And that starts under center, where it looks like J.J. McCarthy will be back in the saddle this weekend after Max Brosmer’s rocky debut. But as has been the case far too often this season, the biggest question mark for Kevin O’Connell’s squad isn’t who's throwing the ball-it’s who’s protecting him.
Offensive Line Still in Flux
Once again, the Vikings head into the week with uncertainty surrounding their offensive line. The unit has rarely been at full strength this season, and it’s clear the inconsistency up front has taken a toll on the offense. This week, all eyes are on left tackle Christian Darrisaw and rookie guard Donovan Jackson, both of whom exited the Green Bay game with injuries and were sidelined last weekend against Seattle.
O’Connell sounded optimistic about Darrisaw’s status, saying the plan is for him to return to his normal practice rhythm and be ready to go on Sunday. That’s a big deal. When healthy, Darrisaw is one of the most reliable blindside protectors in the league, and his absence has been felt every time he's missed time-he's only suited up for nine games this season.
Jackson, on the other hand, is more of a question mark. The 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is still working his way back and hasn’t yet returned to practice.
O’Connell praised his effort and recovery process, pointing to Jackson’s earlier comeback from wrist surgery as a sign of his toughness and potential. But availability is the first step to impact, and until Jackson gets back on the field, his development remains on pause.
For McCarthy, who’s still finding his footing in the NFL, having stability on the offensive line is crucial. The rookie quarterback has shown flashes, but asking him to operate behind a patchwork line is a tough ask for any first-year signal-caller.
Ty Chandler Nearing Return
There was at least one encouraging update on the offensive side of the ball: running back Ty Chandler is officially in the 21-day practice window, meaning he’s eligible to return to game action soon.
Chandler hasn’t played since Week 1, when he made his mark on special teams with three kick returns for 84 yards-including a clutch return late in the game that helped seal a win over the Bears. Since then, he’s been sidelined, and in his absence, rookie Myles Price has taken over the return duties. But Price has had some hiccups in recent weeks, opening the door for Chandler to potentially reclaim his role.
It’s a pivotal stretch for Chandler, who’s in the final year of his rookie deal after being drafted in the fifth round back in 2022. With his future in Minnesota uncertain, these next few weeks could serve as an audition-not just for the Vikings, but for the rest of the league.
Practice Squad Shuffle
In a corresponding move, the Vikings added rookie wide receiver Joaquin Davis to the practice squad. Davis, who was released by the Denver Broncos in August, gives Minnesota another body in the receiver room after Adam Thielen’s departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Davis may not be expected to contribute right away, but with injuries and roster churn being what they are at this point in the season, depth matters. And for a team looking to evaluate young talent, every practice rep counts.
The Vikings may not be chasing a playoff berth anymore, but there’s still plenty on the line. From McCarthy’s growth to Chandler’s potential return to the ever-changing offensive line, these final five games are about more than just pride-they’re about building a foundation for the future.