The Minnesota Vikings will be missing starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw during their Sunday night game with the Atlanta Falcons. The creative team recently announced some even more major news. They have already declared three starters out for Sunday’s game, including Darrisaw, as well as linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and cornerback Jeff Okudah.
Darrisaw’s absence actually can’t be overlooked, given that he’s out due to a serious injury. He was eventually diagnosed with a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. The injury must have happened 323 days prior to the 24th of October, 2024. Even though he had made tremendous strides in his recovery, Darrisaw has not been cleared to play this week. A week prior, he was listed as questionable for the Vikings’ regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears, where he participated in a pregame workout at Soldier Field.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell explained the rationale behind the ruling Darrisaw out. He described it, in part, as a consequence of NFL policies on which players could pregame work out on game fields. He added that the team stands by their commitment to Darrisaw’s long-term health and well-being.
“There was a thought of wanting to just make sure that we completed the weekly process, specifically knowing that we had the extra day and then allowing Christian to go feel the atmosphere and start getting his mind in that place where he could go, and it was a total positive from that standpoint. He continues to progress, and with the injury he had, he’s still so far ahead of schedule and it’s such a great place on the daily that we just want to continue that. And as I’ve told Christian and our medical staff many, many times, first and foremost, the number one priority will always be what’s in the best interest, not only in the present for sure, but more importantly in the long term for the player.” – Kevin O’Connell
In addition to Darrisaw’s ruling, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah are both navigating through the NFL’s concussion protocol, further impacting the team’s lineup for Sunday. The Vikings will have to get past the Atlanta Falcons if they want to avoid the pitfalls that come with a difficult roster situation.
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