The Minnesota Vikings’ playoff hopes officially came to an end Sunday afternoon, courtesy of the Chicago Bears taking care of business against the Browns. Just a year removed from a 14-3 campaign, the Vikings now find themselves on the outside looking in - a sharp fall from grace for a team that once looked poised to contend deep into January.
But while the postseason is off the table, the Vikings aren’t done playing meaningful football. With matchups still ahead against playoff-bound teams like the Cowboys and the Lions, Minnesota has a chance to shake up the NFC picture by playing spoiler. The question is: can they do it with a roster that’s been battling injuries all season?
One of the biggest concerns continues to be the health of cornerstone left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The former first-round pick has been dealing with lingering knee issues ever since tearing ligaments in 2024. He underwent surgery and made it back onto the field this season, but it’s been clear he hasn’t been operating at full strength.
Heading into Week 15, Darrisaw was listed as questionable, and now he’s officially been ruled out for the Vikings’ upcoming showdown with Dallas. That’s a big blow to an offensive line that’s already had its hands full protecting a rotating cast of quarterbacks this season.
The fact that Darrisaw’s knee is still an issue this deep into the year raises some important questions. Is this something he can rehab and manage going forward, or are we looking at a situation that might require more significant attention in the offseason?
With the Vikings now eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team opts to shut him down for the remainder of the season. There’s simply no reason to risk further damage to one of the franchise’s most valuable building blocks.
For now, Minnesota’s focus shifts to finishing strong, evaluating young talent, and figuring out how to bounce back in 2026. But make no mistake: the health of Christian Darrisaw will be one of the most important storylines to monitor as this team turns the page on a frustrating year.