Minnesota Vikings Latest Injury Report Provides Hope

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Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are just days away from their Week 1 road opener against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. Unfortunately, their first injury report of the season did not reflect as much.

While Andrew Van Ginkel did return to Minnesota Vikings practice on Thursday, defensive teammate Harrison Smith did not. Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw was also held out after a few cryptic quotes about how he’s focused on being healthy for the long haul, more so than making sure he’s ready week one.

So on Friday, fans and media waited with baited breath to see if either Smith or Darrisaw got on the practice field for the Vikings’ walkthrough. Most weeks, the second status report is much more telling than the first.

Friday’s Minnesota Vikings injury report cleaner than Thursday’s

When it was finally released this afternoon, just after 3 PM CDT, Christian Darrisaw was listed as a full participant, Harrison Smith was “limited”. In other words, the MN Vikings seem to be getting healthier as the week moves along. Zavier Scott and Elijah Williams were the only DNPs on Friday.

Harrison Smith has had the most mysterious malady of the offseason. It has been classified as an illness, and we have no idea on specifics. Maybe we never will, but an inexperienced MN Vikings secondary needs their leader in week one. Hopefully, today’s injury report is the first step in making that happen.

Kevin O’Connell’s squad has looked the part of a team on the rise this offseason. If J.J. McCarthy can do his job, then the NFC North will be in contention, and a Super Bowl might not be all that far-fetched.

JJ McCarthy needs Christian Darrisaw protecting his blindside

Since being cleared at the start of training camp, Darrisaw elevated weeks ago to a full practice participant. The 26-year-old out of Virginia Tech is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery, and neither he nor the Vikings want to push the envelope.

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Friday’s status report is a good sign that Christian will start on Monday. If not, newly signed Justin Skule would be his veteran backup. While he is thought of as one of the more reliable backups in the division, he can’t hold a candle to Darrisaw.

When healthy, the 2021 23rd overall draft pick is arguably the best blindside protector in the NFL, something he was fast on his way to proving last season, prior to his injury. Given this will be the redshirt rookie’s debut as Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback, having his full complement of offensive linemen would be ideal.

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