O’Connell Gives Major Update on Key Vikings Starters
We are quickly closing in on the Minnesota Vikings Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears. The eyes of the nation will be one them as the game is being played in primetime during Monday Night Football.
It’s the debut of J.J. McCarthy, and the team is coming off a 14-win season where they allowed the starting quarterback to leave. To say that intrigue and uncertainty have ever been more palpable would be putting it lightly.
The Vikings have seen key starters such as Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith miss considerable time during training camp. Kevin O’Connell says not to worry.
Kevin O’Connell says Minnesota Vikings are good to go
Now less than a week away from the first game of the 2025 season, the Minnesota Vikings are locking in their final practices and preparations for Chicago. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said everyone has taken part in the walkthrough.
.@Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell just shared “all took part in walkthrough,” which means Gink et al back in action.
— Paul Allen (@PAOnTheMic) September 3, 2025
Also shared Harrison Smith took part in walkthrough but won’t practice. Baby steps, and great to see whatever is happening w/ Hitman seems to be subsiding.… pic.twitter.com/kLJWkEVxrs
That’s good news for both Van Ginkel and Smith. Neither has been on the practice field in any real capacity for weeks. The edge rusher signed a contract extension this offseason and is looking to build on a career-best 11.5 sacks last season. Smith is teetering on the conclusion of his 14-year career, but continues to perform at a high level.
Minnesota’s defense absolutely needs both players ready to go. Brian Flores is going to have an incredible front seven, and Van Ginkel is a key part of that. The secondary has some concerns, and most of them are intended to be answered by those in the safety room.
Related: MN Vikings First Depth Chart Reveals Some Answers, More Questions
If both Van Ginkel and Smith are ready to rock after missing so much time, that would be a serious boost to the Vikings defense. Their condition and readiness will definitely be something to monitor.
Offense trending well for MN Vikings too
It’s not just the defense where head coach Kevin O’Connell feels confident going into the final preparations for the Chicago Bears. Justin Jefferson missed substantial time during training camp with a hamstring injury, and Christian Darrisaw underwent surgery for his knee injury last year. He is excited about where both are at.
Since the #Vikings ended the preseason, Justin Jefferson has "really capitalized" on his time to get ready for the season after his left hamstring strain, Kevin O’Connell said.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 3, 2025
"It wasn't just in recovery mode and getting back to a certain baseline. He elevated that baseline by…
Kevin O'Connell has mentioned several times the need to be "smart" when it comes to getting Darrisaw back on the field. He'll take most if not all of the reps in practice today but the decision isn't just based on Week 1. https://t.co/IPcPyfW1Yc
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 3, 2025
There has really never been a real level of concern regarding Jefferson’s Week 1 status. That doesn’t mean the issue is cut and dry. He played in 10 games during 2023 after suffering a hamstring injury. It would behoove him to be smart, and continue to both rehab and strengthen the muscle as the season goes on.
Of course the Vikings would love to have their bookend blocking McCarthy’s blindside in Week 1. It appears Darrisaw is trending that way, but as O’Connell mentions, it’s sensible to consider battles in order to win the war. The Super Bowl isn’t won in Week 1, but it could be lost then.
We’ll see how the Vikings list them all when the official injury report drops prior to the Monday Night Football kickoff.
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