The Vikings’ offensive line is taking another hit, and the latest sign points to Christian Darrisaw sitting out Week 5.
Minnesota is already dealing with a season-ending torn meniscus in Donovan Jackson’s left knee, which leaves the left side of the line in rough shape before the matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Darrisaw, meanwhile, landed in concussion protocol after leaving last Sunday’s game a second time, and that alone is enough to put his status in serious doubt.
That concern only grew Tuesday when Kevin O’Connell joined “The Pat McAfee Show” and gave a pretty strong indication that the left tackle won’t be available against the Saints.
"Obviously, as a whole offensively, we need to get healthy. We should be getting Jordan Mason back after the bye, you know, Christian Darrisaw, some other players."
Mason’s return after the Week 6 bye has long been the expected outcome, so O’Connell’s comment fit the timeline there. But the Darrisaw mention was the telling part. Without saying it outright, O’Connell made it sound like the Vikings are preparing to be without their Pro Bowl left tackle in Week 5.
That would leave Minnesota down its entire starting left side for at least one game, forcing the team to reshuffle protection in front of the quarterback. And given how cautious teams usually are with concussions, especially with a bye week right after the Saints game, the safest move would seem to be holding Darrisaw out.
There’s also the obvious concern that one missed game could become more than that if the Vikings push things too aggressively. Darrisaw’s recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in 2024 was handled in a way that eventually led to him being shut down for the season, so Minnesota has every reason to be careful this time.
Barring a surprise, Ryan Van Demark is lined up to start at left tackle against the Saints.
In Other News...
Vikings Suddenly Face Travel Uncertainty Before Saints Game
A weather system in the Bay of Campeche has suddenly put a wrinkle into the Vikings trip to New Orleans, with Invest 92L projected to strengthen into at least a tropical depression and possibly Tropical Storm Isaias. Early model guidance has the storm nearing the Gulf Coast by early Saturday, which is the kind of timing that can complicate travel for both Minnesota and the Saints before their game at Caesars Superdome.
For the Vikings, the concern is less about the matchup itself than the logistics around getting there cleanly and on schedule. The exact path and strength of the system are still uncertain, so the situation is being watched closely, but it is already the sort of developing weather story that can alter a teams weekend routine long before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Former Vikings Favorite Eric Kendricks Just Got Another NFL Shot
Eric Kendricks is getting another chance to extend his NFL career, with the veteran linebacker signing to the Los Angeles Rams practice squad. For Vikings fans, it is a familiar name back in the league and a reminder of how long Kendricks has remained a fixture in NFL circles since his days in Minnesota, where he built his reputation as one of the more dependable defenders of his era.
Kendricks had not played this season and had recently been co-hosting a podcast, but the move gives him a path back onto an active roster if the Rams need him. Since leaving the Vikings, he has moved through stops with the Chargers, Cowboys and 49ers, and now he gets another opportunity to make himself part of a teams late-season plans. [Read more 🡒]
Justin Jefferson Return Suddenly Feels Much More Real For Vikings
Justin Jeffersons path back onto the field suddenly looks a lot less distant. Kevin OConnell said the Vikings receiver has made progress in his recovery, and the possibility of a Week 5 return is now on the table if his medical status continues to move in the right direction and he can get in limited work during the week.
For Minnesota, the appeal is obvious, but so is the caution. The Vikings know the schedule is about to toughen up, and they are intent on protecting Jefferson for the long haul rather than rushing him back for a short-term boost. If he can keep trending the right way in practice, the next few days will tell a lot about how real this comeback chance actually is. [Read more 🡒]