The worst week for the Minnesota Vikings continues. In addition to two losses in five days, the team has now lost starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw for the season to a knee injury.
Darrisaw will soon have surgery and will be out of action until the 2025 season begins.
The offensive lineman suffered the injury during the second quarter of Thursday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Vikings are now 5-2 in arguably the NFL’s best division, with the Bears, Packers and Lions looking impressive to start the season.
Six days ago, the Vikings were one of two undefeated NFL teams left standing. Now Minnesota’s season doesn’t look so promising.
Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw will miss remainder of NFL season
Head coach Kevin O’Connell will have to help his team pick up the pieces moving forward.
Along with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Darrisaw was the Vikings’ best player and was an integral part of the Vikings’ surprising start to the season.
Darrisaw had protected Sam Darnold’s blind side and made the beleaguered quarterback look better than he had thus far in his career.
Now, the Vikings must find a route to keep their offense stable the rest of the season without a major cog in their wheel.
Minnesota has a manageable stretch ahead of it, but it has a treacherous five-game season finale.
There are games left against the Falcons, Bears, Seahawks, Packers and Lions, with each of those teams seeking a playoff spot.
Minnesota’s next game is Nov. 3 against the Indianapolis Colts.
In a corresponding move, the Vikings officially activated tight end TJ Hockenson for the first time this season.