As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for training camp, the purple faithful are holding their breath for news on star left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The cornerstone of the Vikings’ offensive line suffered a devastating torn ACL during the team’s October loss to the Los Angeles Rams, sidelining him for more than half of last season. With the 2025 season fast approaching, the question looms large: when will Darrisaw return to anchor the line and protect rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s blind side?
The Vikings’ offensive line has undergone a major overhaul this offseason, with rookie Donovan Jackson slotted to start at left guard alongside Darrisaw, and the team poaching center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries from the Indianapolis Colts. This revamped unit promises to be the strongest tackle-to-tackle line Minnesota has fielded in years—if Darrisaw can return to form. His presence is critical to the team’s success, but according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, fans hoping for a Week 1 return against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football may need to temper their expectations.
Lewis reports that while Darrisaw has been relentless in his rehab, earning praise from the Vikings’ staff for his progress, a Week 1 return might be overly optimistic. For a deeper dive into the Vikings’ offensive roster, Lewis’ comprehensive breakdown of all 45 offensive players is a must-read for subscribers of The Athletic.
The clock is ticking. In less than three weeks, when veterans report to training camp, the Vikings will face a pivotal decision: whether to place Darrisaw on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. If they do, he’ll be limited to rehab work and barred from team-related activities until cleared to practice. Should Darrisaw remain on the PUP List when the roster is trimmed to 53 players, he’ll be forced to miss the first four games of the season—a tough blow for a team with lofty ambitions.
The timing couldn’t be trickier. The Vikings face a unique challenge with back-to-back overseas games in Weeks 4 and 5, taking on opponents in Dublin and London. A Darrisaw return during this stretch would complicate roster logistics and disrupt team chemistry. If Week 1 is indeed too soon, the most likely windows for his comeback appear to be Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals or Week 7 against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. A Week 3 return would force the Vikings to juggle their roster for the first two games, while a Week 7 return would give Darrisaw the benefit of a bye week to prepare for a high-stakes showdown.
In Darrisaw’s absence, the Vikings may turn to Justin Skule, a recent signing from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Skule, who started five games at tackle for the Bucs last season, brings versatility with experience at both tackle positions, though he’s more seasoned on the left side. While Skule is a capable backup, he’s no Darrisaw, and the prospect of McCarthy facing early-season pressure without his star left tackle is a cause for concern.
Vikings fans are left crossing their fingers for a miraculous Week 1 return, but the reality is sobering. If Darrisaw’s recovery stretches to Week 7, Minnesota’s revamped offensive line could face a crisis, testing the depth and resilience of a unit tasked with protecting a rookie quarterback and powering a playoff push. The countdown to training camp is on, and all eyes are on Darrisaw’s rehab. Will the Vikings’ star tackle defy the odds, or will Minnesota’s O-line dreams be deferred?