Kevin O'Connell clears the air surroudning Christian Darrisaw's exit from Sunday's win vs. Browns

One of the biggest issues the Vikings faced was the decimated offensive line. They entered the game with three of their starters ruled out, along with their second-string center in Michael Jurgens. Going up against one of the best defensive lines in the league was a challenge, and it got harder once the second half started.

Kevin O'Connell clarifies Christian Darrisaw not playing in the second half

Before the first half ended, left tackle Christian Darrisaw was seen walking off the field. It raised questions about how healthy he was, especially with him coming back from a torn ACL. He didn't play at all in the second half with Justin Skule kicking back out to left tackle and Walter Rouse coming in at right tackle.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell clarified what the deal was with Darrisaw missing the second half, and it turns out it was part of a plan to continue easing him back into the game.

"Christian Darrisaw was part of a plan we knew based upon the high snap count last week," said O'Connell. "We wanted to be smart with CD and didn't didn't make it any easier, as far as having to navigate the end of the game there without one of the best left tackles in football. But want to compliment CD, his willingness to continue to ramp up and continue to be such a critical factor for our team. I'm proud of him."

It makes sense to continue being careful with Darrisaw, especially since he's a big part of the success of the Vikings, as O'Connell mentioned. It also helps that the Vikings were able to mitigate him sitting out with a tremendous performance by the line late in the game. Their play on the final drive was the biggest reason why the Vikings were able to drive down the field and get the win.

Now that the Vikings are into the bye week, Darrisaw can rest his knee for a week before getting back to practice, something that was likely in the cards with how the Vikings want to do in order to get him ready for the rest of the season. Coming out of the bye, the Vikings have the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, and Detroit Lions. It'll be a tough stretch, but made much easier with their starting left tackle healthy and ready to go.

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