Vikings Get Massive Boost With Starters Returning

This offseason the Minnesota Vikings spent a bunch of money on their offensive line. The hope was that the group could be a strength. So far that hasn’t been a reality, but they have also struggled to stay healthy.

On Sunday, against the Cincinnati Bengals, they look to be at near full strength. Unfortunately Ryan Kelly will be on the sidelines as he works his way back from a concussion. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is expected to play, however.

Christian Darrisaw makes his 2025 debut for MN Vikings

The status of Christian Darrisaw has been murky at best for the Minnesota Vikings. He is coming back from a season-ending knee injury, but Minnesota opted against placed him on injured reserve to start the year. With just one game left to make good on that thought process, Ian Rapoport is reporting that he’ll be available.

#Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw (knee) and S Harrison Smith (illness) — both of whom have yet to play this season — are expected to make their debuts on Sunday, sources say.

Both are slated to start, but will likely rotate on and off.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2025

As Rapoport notes, Darrisaw is expected to start alongside veteran defender Harrison Smith. Dianna Russini had previously reported the safety was set to make his 2025 debut.

The insertion of Darrisaw into the starting lineup is substantial. Backup Justin Skule has not only been awful (49th of 65 tackles per Pro Football Focus), but he is also dealing with a concussion and has been ruled out. The more Darrisaw can trust his body and be ready to go, the better.

Related: MN Vikings Captain Set to Debut on Sunday

Minnesota is starting Carson Wentz under center with J.J. McCarthy having suffered a substantial ankle injury. The veteran has plenty of game experience, but he’ll be bolstered by a stud blindside blocker.

Andrew Van Ginkel back for Minnesota too

While Rapoport notes Darrisaw returning to the starting lineup, and we already knew about Smith, Adam Schefter brings his own form of good news. Andrew Van Ginkel, who had missed Week 2 with a concussion, is expected to return as well.

Help is on the way Sunday for the Vikings: Three players listed as questionable – OT Christian Darrisaw (knee), S Harrison Smith (illness), DE Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion) – are expected to play vs. the Bengals, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2025

In the season opener against Chicago, Van Ginkel recorded five tackles and had one behind the line of scrimmage. He nearly ripped off a pick-six and was an impact player against the Bears.

Dallas Turner was utilized more heavily in his absence last week, but Van Ginkel can assume his normal role opposite Jonathan Greenard on Sunday.

Schefter also notes that among the players returning for Minnesota, only Harrison Smith is expected to be limited from a reps perspective.

Darrisaw gives MN Vikings line renewed hope

The Minnesota Vikings spent a substantial amount of money on their offensive line this offseason. For the most part it has flopped in the early going, and that made things tough on McCarthy through their first two games.

Darrisaw’s absence was chief among the problems, and further injuries across the line have drug down the performance as well. It would be ideal to have Kelly in the middle to complete the group, but being able to lean on the starting left tackle makes a world of difference too.

Related: Former Vikings Kicker Wins Permanent Job

The Vikings go from playing one of the worst tackles in football to inserting one of the best. That will definitely materialize with a positive impact in both the run and pass game. It will be on Wentz, and new unquestioned starter Jordan Mason, to utilize his presence.

Minnesota kicks off against the Bengals at 12 pm on Sunday. They are looking to improve to 2-1 on the season and head into their overseas swing on a positive note.