Week 13 Brings More Vikings Offensive Line Injuries

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Donovan Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are licking their wounds after an ugly loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was terrible, and then came up concussed. It has been reported that Max Brosmer will start against the Seattle Seahawks, but his offensive line remains in flux as well.

Beyond just Minnesota losing on Sunday in Green Bay, both Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson failed to finish the game. The Vikings intended starting offensive line had not paired together through the first 11 weeks of the season, and they didn’t finish together during their first opportunity.

Things aren’t looking up to start the week either.

Minnesota Vikings still hurt up front

Max Brosmer is projected to start for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against the Seattle. With how poorly J.J. McCarthy has played, it would not be a shock to see him elevate the offense. As has been the case most of the season though, he may not have a full offensive line in front of him.

Both Jackson and Darrisaw were limited in practice to start the week for the Minnesota Vikings. Kevin O’Connell’s team has additional days to get ready for their road trip, but the linemen need to see a boost in their availability sooner rather than later.

“Both those guys, they will not participate today. Donovan obviously dealing with his ankle, and it’s sore, but we’ve had conversations about seeing what the rest of his week looks like as possibly being available for this week. At the same time, he’ll have to kind of improve from where he’s at right now to have a chance to play, which is very possible. Christian is working through just some soreness, but hopefully we’ll have a chance to get him some work here as the week goes on and determine his status for the game.”

Kevin O’Connell

Neither Darrisaw nor Jackson finished the game for the Minnesota Vikings in Green Bay. Each of them are integral parts of the offensive line. It has been evident at multiple points this season how much of a dropoff there is from Darrisaw to backup Justin Skule. Jackson was a first round pick for a reason as well.

If the Vikings want fill-in quarterback Max Brosmer to put the best foot forward, then a capable offensive line is part of the process. Should Darrisaw now be able to go, Skule would take over. Blake Brandel, who has filled in at center for Ryan Kelly, is the next man up at the guard position.

This offseason the Vikings spent a considerable amount of money in the trenches. Thus far the offensive line specifically has failed to stay on the field. That has been tough to overcome, and the play of McCarthy has not made it any easier.

Minnesota kicks off against Seattle on Sunday with a 4-7 record. They’ll hope to best the 8-3 Seahawks led by 2024 14-game winner Sam Darnold.

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