Minnesota Vikings Offensive Lineman Christian Darrisaw Out For Week 2

Just when Minnesota Vikings fans thought things were looking up after a gritty Week 1 comeback, the injury report dropped like a lead balloon. Minnesota will be without a trio of key players for its Sunday night showdown against the Atlanta Falcons, and the biggest name on that list is left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Yep, you read that right. The man tasked with protecting the blindside is out. Again. It’s a gut punch for a team already navigating a minefield of injuries. How will they fare without him?

Darrisaw’s Bizarre Setback

Here’s where it gets weird. After being a game-time decision last week against the Bears, Darrisaw is now definitively out. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell insists there hasn’t been a “setback” in Darrisaw’s recovery from a torn ACL and MCL suffered last October. When asked if the recovery had hit a snag, O’Connell’s response was a blunt, “Nope.”

So, what gives? O’Connell pointed to a quirky NFL policy about pregame workouts. Apparently, Darrisaw’s on-field workout at Soldier Field last week was to genuinely test his availability. This week, since he was ruled out early, that same workout wasn’t an option. It’s a head-scratcher that feels like a classic case of NFL red tape. O’Connell is playing the long game, saying the priority is Darrisaw’s long-term health. That’s admirable, but it doesn’t make Sunday’s task any easier.

Who’s Next Man Up?

With Darrisaw sidelined, the Vikings turn back to Justin Skule. Last week against the Bears, Skule had a performance he’d probably like to forget, allowing four pressures and two sacks. Now, he gets to face the Falcons‘ pass rush in prime time. No pressure, Justin.

The Vikings’ injury woes don’t stop there. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and Cornerback Jeff Okudah are also sidelined with concussions. Van Ginkel was a force in Week 1, and losing him leaves a significant hole in the defense.

Minnesota managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat in Week 1, but they’re walking a tightrope. Heading into their home opener significantly shorthanded is a tough pill to swallow. Can they keep the momentum going, or will the Falcons play spoiler? We’ll find out Sunday night.