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(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings‘ offensive line could be taking a hit as the team travels to face the Dallas Cowboys on December 14. For Minnesota, they’ll be hoping for J.J. McCarthy to build off his performance in the Week 14 win over the Washington Commanders.
McCarthy completed 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns, keeping the offense turnover-free with no interceptions against the Commanders. While the numbers aren’t eye-popping, he will look to build off this success to end the 2025 season on a positive note.
Nonetheless, he could have to overcome a major hurdle against the Cowboys. On December 12, the Vikings announced on their final injury report ahead of the Dallas game that offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw is questionable for the game.
T.J. Hockenson and Darrisaw were absent from Minnesota Vikings practice on December 10 when the team released its injury report.
Hockenson sat out because of a shin issue, while Darrisaw, who rejoined the offensive line in Week 14 against Washington, was held out with a knee problem. Nonetheless, the team announced on December 11 that both players had participated in limited practice.
Vikings Will Have T.J. Hockenson
Still, it’s only Darrisaw who remains on the injury report. Despite only having limited practice throughout the week, Hockenson will be good to go against the Cowboys. The Vikings tight end provided an update on his situation when he spoke to the media.
“It’s all good,” Hockenson told reporters on December 11. “We were running around today, checking out how it feels, felt pretty solid. Doing my routes, doing everything. I hit somebody on their knee with my shin, so it was a little bone bruise, but I’m not too worried about it, so we’ll be all right.”
McCarthy will have one big target in the middle of the field in Hockenson, but might not have the solid protection on the offensive line if Darrisaw cannot go against Dallas. As a result, it will be interesting to see how the second-year quarterback handles the situation.
Vikings Aim to Take Advantage of the Cowboys’ Defense
Minnesota head into this matchup believing there is plenty to target after Dallas gave up 44 points to the Detroit Lions in Week 14. They are also coming off a 31-point showing against the Commanders, and with McCarthy leading the charge, they see a chance to keep that surge going.
On December 10, McCarthy spoke with reporters and shared his thoughts on facing the Cowboys’ defense and the challenge it poses.
“From an overall scheme standpoint, Matt Eberflus has been doing this for a while, and I have tremendous respect for him—how he calls the game and coaches his players,” McCarthy told reporters. “Up front, though, they’re really strong, especially with those two new additions [of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark]; it’s going to be a real test for us.
“Trevon Diggs might be back, and their linebackers are extremely athletic and physical. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but we just need to keep grinding, execute the game plan, and see where we stand Sunday night.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. He previously covered the league for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has contributed as a freelance writer for The Sporting News. He also served as an editor for Athlon Sports and Heavy Sports focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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