Vikings-Cowboys Injury Report: Christian Darrisaw, DeMarcus Lawrence Updates

Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw, PFF's highest-graded offensive lineman in the NFL the season, returned to practice on Thursday in a limited capacity. Darrisaw, who remains in the concussion protocol, was cleared to practice while wearing a red non-contact jersey.

That's big news for the Vikings because it's a step in the right direction for one of their best and most important players. It doesn't, by any means, guarantee that Darrisaw will be cleared to play on Sunday against the Cowboys, but it would've been concerning if he remained out for a second consecutive day on Thursday.

If Darrisaw is upgraded to full participation on Friday, that'll be a sign that he's good to go for the game. If he remains limited, he could enter the weekend with a questionable (or doubtful) designation, and then it would come down to how the process plays out on Saturday and Sunday. The Vikings aren't going to bring Darrisaw back unless he clears the protocol. The fact that it's an important game doesn't factor into the equation whatsoever; concussions aren't something to mess with.

If Darrisaw ends up missing a game, Blake Brandel will be thrust into a tough spot against Micah Parsons and a Dallas defensive front that leads the league in sacks and pressure rate. That would be a game-changing loss for the Vikings.

Cornerback Akayleb Evans, who is also in the concussion protocol, remained out on Thursday, so he seems unlikely to play. That presumably means fellow rookie Andrew Booth Jr. will make his first career start against CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and company.

Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (calf) also remains out and seems likely to miss at least one more game, and perhaps two more because the Vikings have a short week ahead of their Thanksgiving game against the Patriots.

Justin Jefferson (toe) and Za'Darius Smith (knee) were limited again, but it doesn't sound like either is at much risk of missing the Cowboys game, barring a setback. We'll know more after Friday's practice.

For the Cowboys, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence missed a second consecutive practice with a foot injury, putting his status into doubt. That would be a big loss for Dallas, as Lawrence ranks second on the team in pressures and is tied for second with five sacks.

LB Anthony Barr, CB Anthony Brown, and RB Ezekiel Elliott remained limited on Thursday, but Elliott expects to return this week and the other two are likely on track to play as well.

Here's the full injury report: