Minnesota Vikings star left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s return from a devastating knee injury has been far from straightforward.
As Darrisaw appeared ahead of schedule in his rehab throughout the offseason and training camp, the Vikings took precautions and held him out until Week 3.
It’s been touch-and-go ever since.
Darrisaw was pulled from the game in the fourth quarter of a Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns. He played just nine snaps before leaving a Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He sat out a Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and missed Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys.
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Facing questions about his status for Week 16 against the New York Giants, Darrisaw made a decision that hints at some potential frustration with his situation moving forward.
On Thursday, Dec. 18, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported that Darrisaw declined to comment when approached during locker room interviews after he missed a second day of practice this week.
“He said he couldn’t answer a question about whether he will play again this season,” Seifert added.
Signed to a four-year deal worth up to $113 million, Darrisaw is one of the most valuable players in Minnesota.
The Vikings’ first-team offensive line has played just 84 snaps together this entire season — 49 of which came in the Vikings’ 31-0 shutout victory over the Commanders two weeks ago. It’s clear that group — which added newcomers Ryan Kelly, Will Fries and first-round pick Donovan Jackson in the offseason — has potential.
Yet, the offensive line has not had time on task together amid a lost season and must find more cohesion next season.
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That may entail the Vikings shutting down Darrisaw for the year so he can begin rehabbing his body after a frustrating season, medically, for the 26-year-old.
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