Darrisaw’s Injury Woes Loom Large Ahead of Cowboys Clash
The Minnesota Vikings will take the field without their standout left tackle Christian Darrisaw for Sunday night’s pivotal matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. This absence thrusts backup Justin Skule into the spotlight at left tackle, tasked with protecting quarterback J.J. McCarthy during this high-stakes primetime affair.
Ongoing Knee Concerns
Darrisaw’s struggles stem from a significant knee injury he sustained in October 2024, which resulted in multiple torn ligaments. This season, he has already missed three of the Vikings’ 13 games and departed early from two others. To manage his recovery, the coaching staff has strategically limited his practice time, opting to keep him off the field on Thursdays throughout the year.
This week, however, presented a unique set of challenges. Darrisaw missed the Vikings’ initial practice on Wednesday, followed by another absence on Thursday. He did manage to practice in a limited capacity on Friday, yet the uncertainty surrounding his availability persisted, leading to his designation as questionable leading into the weekend.
Coaching Insights on Managing Darrisaw’s Health
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the ongoing situation, emphasizing the team’s focus on managing Darrisaw’s workload. “At this point, it’s about managing the weeks based upon how he comes out of the previous game, where that (knee’s) at, and then try to put together a plan for the week that gives him the best chance to help us on Sundays,” O’Connell stated on Friday.
Despite the team’s efforts, Darrisaw was unable to reach a level of readiness sufficient for game action. Just four hours before kickoff, reports confirmed that he was not expected to play, with his absence from the field at AT&T Stadium signaling the reality of the situation.
Impact on the Offensive Front
Darrisaw’s ongoing knee issues, persisting well over 400 days since his initial injury, raise legitimate concerns about his long-term health and performance. Vikings fans are left hoping that these issues do not cast a shadow over their franchise left tackle’s future.
In Darrisaw’s absence, Justin Skule, who has appeared in eight games this season at various tackle positions, will need to step up. Although he has delivered replacement-level performances according to Pro Football Focus, he has also allowed 23 pressures and seven sacks. The pressure will be on Skule to effectively manage the formidable Cowboys’ edge rushers, including Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler Jr., and Jadeveon Clowney. Should he falter, Blake Brandel stands ready as a potential alternative.
Vikings Inactives Against the Cowboys
Christian Darrisaw
Chaz Chambliss
Walter Rouse
Elijah Williams
John Wolford (3rd QB)
With Skule stepping in for Darrisaw, the Vikings’ offensive line faces a critical test against the Cowboys. The stakes are high, and the team’s ability to adapt without their star left tackle will be pivotal in this crucial matchup.
