Vikings Line Gets One Closer to Full Strength

If you are wondering how the 2025 NFL season is going for the 4-8 Minnesota Vikings, look no further than the betting odds for Sunday’s matchup against the 3-9 Washington Commanders.

After reports broke late this week that DC’s star quarterback Jayden Daniels would play for the first time in four weeks, the Commanders jumped to -1.5 point road favorites at U.S. Bank Stadium. On the home sideline, Minnesota will be getting their 2024 1st round QB back this week too.

Yet again, however, there questions surrounding who exactly will be blocking for JJ McCarthy, after both LT Christian Darrisaw and LG Donovan Jackson were listed as “Questionable” on the Minnesota Vikings’ final week 14 injury report.

Christian Darrisaw expected to play for Minnesota Vikings

All week, it felt like Darrisaw was more likely to play Sunday, than Jackson. That became especially true after head coach Kevin O’Connell suggested that the Vikings were hoping to have their starting left tackle available to hold down McCarthy’s blindside.

Then late Saturday night, NFL insider Ian Rapoport (NFL Network) made Darrisaw’s status for week 14 unofficially official. He’s good to go.

#Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw, who has a knee injury and is listed as questionable, is expected to play on Sunday, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2025

Now, the Vikings will only be waiting to figure out the status of rookie Donovan Jackson. Both Darrisaw and Jackson have played just nine games this season (ouch).

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drafted the former Buckeye guard with the expectation that he could help solidify the interior of Minnesota’s offensive line, and he has for the most part, when healthy.

There have been high points for Jackson, but he has also needs to be more consistent. The Vikings can’t afford any more lackluster outcomes from quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and the offensive line has to give him a chance to compete.

Draft compensation is where the Minnesota Vikings should be focused, but in the meantime, a healthy group surrounding McCarthy will give the team their best chance to evaluate the future of their quarterback position.