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The Minnesota Vikings (5-2) have had a rough last few days, and their week just got much worse. Star left tackle Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury in Thursday's controversial loss to the Los Angeles Rams, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Darrisaw needed assistance to exit the field, causing fans to instantly fear the worst. Their gut reaction was indeed correct, as the No. 23 selection in the 2021 NFL Draft will require surgery. While Darrisaw recovers, the Vikings will try to survive in what is currently the most competitive division in the league.
Sam Darnold is already one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league this season, but his job could be significantly more difficult if his blind spot is not properly covered. Darrisaw anchors an offensive line that ranks in the middle of the pack, per Pro Football Focus, but he has been unflappable for much of the year. Replicating his 81.4 overall player grade seems implausible.
Fortunately, the Vikings still have time to pivot and acquire some O-Line reinforcements before the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Fortifying the wall of protection in front of Darnold is essential, otherwise head coach Kevin O'Connell's offensive attack will be seriously neutralized.
Can the Vikings quickly adjust?
Running back Aaron Jones is averaging 4.8 yards per carry in what is supposed to be the twilight of his career. The revived Sam Darnold has thrown for 1,610 yards and 14 touchdowns, exhibiting an excellent connection with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. This offense contains a number of playmakers, but it will still rely heavily on the competence of the line.
The Vikings understood this fact, which is why they signed Christian Darrisaw to a four-year contract extension worth $113 million in the offseason. One cannot make ironclad plans in football, however. After losing its LT to injury, and being denied an opportunity to mount a potential game-tying drive versus LA, Minnesota will have a manageable stretch of games on its schedule.
The first stop is a Week 9 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts in U.S. Bank Stadium.
