Vikings Forced to Sign More O-Line Help Again

This season has been nothing short of a disaster for the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line. That outcome was hardly expected after the team invested heavily in the unit, both financially and by using a first-round draft pick.

Through 14 games, Kevin O’Connell has had his full starting offensive line intact for just two contests, and even one of those saw multiple players leave with injuries. Last weekend, Christian Darrisaw was sidelined again as he continues to deal with a lingering knee issue.

While the head coach has expressed confidence in the long-term outlook, the ongoing problems are clearly concerning, and the Vikings once again need reinforcements.

New Tackle Signed to Vikings Practice Squad

With Christian Darrisaw remaining a weekly question mark and backup tackle Justin Skule also missing time this season, the Vikings’ offensive line depth is stretched thin. Earlier this year, Minnesota had to sign Matt Waletzko while in London just to field enough bodies for practice. That scenario appears to be repeating itself with the addition of tackle Caleb Etienne.

The #Vikings have signed T Caleb Etienne to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/HF3E1z7j9z

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 16, 2025

Etienne went undrafted out of BYU and was waived by the Cincinnati Bengals in September. After two season at Oklahoma State, he transferred to BYU to finish his collegiate career. The 24-year-old stands 6’7″ and weighs 329 pounds.

While Etienne is unlikely to be elevated to the active roster, his signing is hardly reassuring news for Darrisaw’s outlook. Despite the coaching staff’s optimistic messaging, the current situation paints a troubling picture.

O'Connell: "I don't think this is going to be anything that will be a part of his future here. … With time and with the significant injury he had, I do think we're going to be able to put this in the rear view mirror here." (2/2)

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 15, 2025

The reality is that Minnesota has just three games remaining and sits at 6–8, effectively playing for nothing. There is little incentive to rush Darrisaw back onto the field. Still, the fact that his injury occurred more than a year ago, and that the recovery process has been this uneven, is concerning.

Since signing his four-year contract extension, Darrisaw has appeared in just 17 of the Vikings’ last 31 games. That number looks even worse if he’s unable to suit up the rest of the way or is ultimately shut down.

The Vikings’ first practice report of the week will be released Wednesday, and Darrisaw’s status will be the key item to monitor.