MN Vikings Finally Place Star O-Lineman on IR

The 2025 season has not gone as expected for the Minnesota Vikings, especially on the offensive line. It’s a group they’ve heavily invested in and not only did it perform below expectations, but it was RARELY healthy enough to even evaluate as a whole.

In fact, the Vikings got just two games out of their starting offensive line all season. And only once did the starting o-line start and finish a game in-tact.

Christian Darrisaw’s season is over for Vikings

And those weekly attendance numbers won’t change in any of Minnesota’s final three games. Not after left tackle Christian Darrisaw was placed on injured reserve Friday, officially ending his 2025 season,

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announces the #Vikings will place T Christian Darrisaw on IR.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 19, 2025

Related: Insider Suggests MN Vikings Land Big Name QB

Last year, Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8, and it’s safe to say he still hasn’t made it back to full-health. Even after returning week 3, CD was never able to shake the physical and mental cobwebs of his major knee surgery, after rushing back to get on the field.

The news of Darrisaw’s shelving is no surprise. On Thursday, following yet another DNP on the injury report, the 26-year-old franchise left tackle refused to talk with reporters.

Now, we know why. KOC told reporters during his Friday press conference that tackle Justin Skule will be tasked with protecting JJ McCarthy’s blindside, at least for Sunday in New Jersey.

Final #MINvsNYG injury report

OUT: Christian Darrisaw and Javon Hargrave

QUESTIONABLE: Gavin Bartholomew*, Ty Chandler* and Brian O'Neill

*Currently in 21-day return to practice window pic.twitter.com/80VLjbxQEa

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 19, 2025

What’s next for MN Vikings, Darrisaw?

This is a sensible move, given the 6-8 Minnesota Vikings have just three games remaining and no postseason dream left to play for. On that same note, Javon Hargrave was also ruled out for Minnesota’s game on Sunday against the Giants. Right tackle Brian O’Neill is questionable.

Since signing a four-year contract extension prior to the 2024 season, Darrisaw has played in just 17 of the Vikings’ 34. Even more concerning, the five-year NFL vet has never played a full 16 or 17 game season. Only once (2023) did he even make it to 15 games played.

Next year, Darrisaw is scheduled to carry a cap hit of more than $23 million. His dead cap, not that the MN Vikings would even ponder cutting him, $44 million.