Vikings' Christian Darrisaw will miss rest of season after knee surgery
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw will require season-ending surgery after suffering a knee injury during Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday.
Darrisaw crumpled to the field late in the first half after safety Jaylen McCollough landed on Darrisaw's leg. The stalwart tackle limped off the field and headed straight to the locker room. The Vikings ruled him out with a knee injury shortly thereafter. O'Connell described it as an "ACL/MCL injury."
"Was holding out hope last night that maybe the imaging would reveal a less significant injury, but unfortunately that is not the case," O'Connell said Friday.
The left tackle will be place on injured reserve.
"I know [Darrisaw] will be right back where he was this year, which is one of the best left tackles in football," O'Connell said.
Darrisaw, 25, has indeed ascended to become one of the league's best tackles since the Vikings drafted him in 2021. Last offseason, the Vikings rewarded him with a massive extension. Despite his elite talent, he has yet to play a full season in the NFL.
Backup tackle David Quessenberry took over for Darrisaw after the injury.
After scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter Thursday, the Vikings' offense struggled much of the rest of the way, managing just six more points on the evening. A late drive that would've given them a chance to tie it was stymied by a controversial Rams safety. Defensive tackle Byron Young grabbed Sam Darnold's face mask on the sack, but the referees did not throw a flag. In a pool report after the game, referee Tra Blake said he and umpire Carl Paganelli — the two officials closest to the play — did not have a clear view.
Due to the Thursday game, the Vikings have an extended break before their next matchup. They'll take on the Indianapolis Colts at home on Sunday Night Football on Nov. 3.