Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) helps Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) off the ground on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-6.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw is one of the most impactful players on Minnesota’s roster. To be at its best, the franchise needs the building block on the field, something that didn’t happen enough in 2025.
The star blocker failed to overcome the torn ACL he suffered in 2024 and was in and out of the lineup all season long, having to manage the knee. The hope is that he can get back to his old self by using the offseason to recover.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) walks up to the line of scrimmage, protected by left tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) and left guard Donovan Jackson (74), during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
At the league meeting, head coach Kevin O’Connell chatted about his blindside protector.
“He’s so impactful,” O’Connell praised the 26-year-old. “That is one position where I don’t think we put enough credence and weight into the impact of winning and losing every snap, every down in the NFL at that left tackle position.”
Indeed, Darrisaw’s presence or absence was noticeable all year despite him not being at full strength. Backup Justin Skule couldn’t fully replace him at left tackle and the offensive line was an issue all year.
“I was proud of the way Christian battled through the offseason and the recovery portion, but then it was frustrating for him at times because he did put in all that work, all that tireless work, that in his mind, ‘Hey, I want to move past this,’ But with an injury like that, sometimes time is truly the only thing that will ultimately get us to where we want to get to,” O’Connell said.
Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) celebrates with offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) after catching a touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Vikings won the game, 31-29.
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Darrisaw initially suffered the injury in October of 2024 when a Rams defender hit him in the knee and knocked him out for the remainder of the campaign. He returned to practice in training camp and was back in the lineup in Week 3, about 11 months after the injury.
That timeline didn’t allow him to leave his injury behind him. He skipped Thursday’s practices all season and was fairly limited, playing in only 10 games. Of those ten contests, he finished only six.
“And I do believe we’re at that point now, he’s having a really good offseason. And what that looks like, what his daily practice schedule and plan looks like, we’re going to do what we think is best to get Christian ready to play 17 games and feel at his absolute best to do so,” O’Connell concluded.
Ultimately, the Vikings decided to shut Darrisaw down in December. The season was over anyway, so why risk anything with the franchise tackle?
Darrisaw is a key player for the purple squad, as he can handle even elite rushers on an island, giving his quarterbacks extra time. He also has the necessary power and athleticism to be a true game-changer in the running game. His availability will be crucial for the offense that has to bounce back for the team to go anywhere.
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) celebrates with offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark (74) after a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
In case of continued health struggles, the Vikings signed backup Ryan Van Demark from the Buffalo Bills. Last year, Skule signed a one-year, $2 million deal, and Van Demark was acquired for one season and $4.27 million. Given the contract value, Van Demark should be expected to be an upgrade.
The Vikings realized that they can’t afford to save money at that position, which makes sense given O’Connell’s comments about the left tackle’s importance.
It remains to be seen if Darrisaw is fully “back” or if we’re in store for another 2025. We’ll monitor his reps throughout the spring and summer.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.