Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
If there has been one constant for the Minnesota Vikings this season, it’s been injuries. At 6–8, this hasn’t been a good team, and they’ve rarely been at full strength. Offensive linemen were the early problem and continue to be an issue, but the defense has taken its share of hits as well.
The back end of Minnesota’s secondary was always going to be an area of intrigue. Harrison Smith is nearing the end of his career, making it important to see Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson step into larger roles. While Metellus had been available for every game this season, that run has now come to an end.
Josh Metellus placed on IR by Minnesota Vikings
Like defensive teammate Jonathan Greenard, Josh Metellus will undergo surgery to repair a shoulder injury. The Vikings placed him on injured reserve, officially ending his season.
“One of our captains, and a guy that I could not respect more for the toughness he’s shown playing with that injury” – Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on S Josh Metellus being placed on IR. pic.twitter.com/QdBElRaWAt
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2025
“We have kind of been evaluating that shoulder on a week in and week out basis. Got home late Sunday and then went through some of the medical evaluations on Monday and into yesterday. It’s been determined he’s going to get his shoulder fixed as well…One of our captains, and a guy that I could not respect more for the toughness he’s shown playing with that injury.”
With Minnesota eliminated from playoff contention and just three games remaining, the timing is unsurprising. While Snoop Dogg will provide entertainment at the Christmas Day matchup against Detroit, the results themselves are now more about draft positioning than wins and losses.
This marks the first time Metellus has played fewer than 15 games in a season. Despite the shortened year, he still totaled 86 tackles, recorded half a sack, and intercepted two passes, matching his 2024 total. Though listed as a safety, Metellus has never been a traditional one, lining up all over the field. His role moving forward will be especially interesting once Smith is no longer on the roster.
Vikings Continue to Keep Christian Darrisaw Active
Despite having nothing to play for and Christian Darrisaw still managing recovery from last year’s knee surgery, the Vikings have not shut him down. The talented left tackle makes a clear difference when he’s on the field, but it remains concerning that his health is still a weekly question mark.
The #Vikings will hold a walk-through instead of practice today after the late game on Sunday, Kevin O’Connell said. Christian Darrisaw won’t participate in the walk-through; O’Connell said the Vikings are taking things day-to-day with him. They haven’t shut him down for the…
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 17, 2025
Darrisaw has played in just 10 of Minnesota’s 14 games this season and has been a fixture on the injury report. Rather than ending his season with three meaningless games remaining, the Vikings appear content to take things week by week.
There has never been a clear explanation regarding the full extent of Darrisaw’s injury or surgery. What is clear is that since signing his contract extension, he has appeared in only 17 of the team’s last 31 games. As the weeks go on, availability continues to be a growing concern.
Mentioned in this article: Christian Darrisaw Joshua Metellus
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