The Minnesota Vikings came into this season with high hopes for their offensive line. They spent big - both in cap space and draft capital - to shore up a unit that was supposed to be a foundational strength.
But 14 games in, that vision has unraveled. Injuries have turned the offensive line into a revolving door, and consistency has been nearly impossible to find.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has only had his full starting five available for two games all season. And even in one of those rare moments of continuity, multiple linemen didn’t make it through the game. It’s been that kind of year in Minnesota - one step forward, two steps back.
The latest setback came last weekend, when standout left tackle Christian Darrisaw was sidelined again, still dealing with a nagging knee issue that just won’t go away. Darrisaw’s absence has become a recurring theme, and while O’Connell continues to express long-term optimism, the short-term reality is clear: the Vikings are once again scrambling for depth.
Vikings Add Tackle Caleb Etienne to the Practice Squad
With Darrisaw’s status uncertain and backup tackle Justin Skule also missing time this season, Minnesota’s offensive line depth chart is stretched about as thin as it gets. Earlier this year, the team had to sign Matt Waletzko during their London trip just to fill out a practice. Now, they’ve made another depth move, signing tackle Caleb Etienne to the practice squad.
Etienne, a 6-foot-7, 329-pound lineman, went undrafted out of BYU after transferring there from Oklahoma State. He was waived by the Bengals in September and has been a free agent since. While he’s not expected to be elevated to the active roster right away, his addition is another sign that the Vikings are preparing for the possibility that Darrisaw might not return soon - or at all - this season.
Darrisaw’s Lingering Injury Raises Long-Term Questions
O’Connell has tried to downplay the severity of Darrisaw’s situation, saying, “I don't think this is going to be anything that will be a part of his future here… With time and with the significant injury he had, I do think we're going to be able to put this in the rear view mirror.”
That’s the hope. But the reality is harder to ignore.
Darrisaw’s injury happened over a year ago, and the recovery has been anything but smooth. Since signing his four-year extension, he’s played in just 17 of the Vikings’ last 31 games.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise that sees him as a cornerstone on the offensive line. If he can’t return over the final three games, that number will only look worse - and the questions about his durability will only get louder.
Vikings Playing Out the String with Playoffs Out of Reach
At 6-8, the Vikings are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. With just three games left, they’re effectively playing for pride - and maybe for a few jobs.
That makes the decision on Darrisaw even more complicated. There’s no reason to rush him back if he’s not 100 percent, especially with nothing tangible on the line.
But the fact that his status is still in question this late in the season, after such a long recovery window, is undeniably concerning.
We’ll get the first official update on Darrisaw’s status when the team releases its initial practice report on Wednesday. Until then, all eyes will be on the injury report - and on whether the Vikings’ offensive line can hold it together for the stretch run.