Line Trending Poorly for MN Vikings in Week 13

Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are just one more practice away from wrapping up preparations for the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13. Kevin O’Connell is hoping to best his former understudy Sam Darnold. It looks as though he’ll have undrafted free agent quarterback Max Brosmer under center as well.

If the Vikings are going to rip off a victory despite being double-digit underdogs, they’ll do so shorthanded. Unless Minnesota gets a substantially changed injury report on Friday, the offensive line will be a problem once again.

Vikings offensive line remains a problem

Last weekend in Green Bay the Vikings had their intended starting offensive line together for the first time this season. They spent a substantial amount of money to revamp the group, but it hasn’t gone according to plan. Neither Christian Darrisaw or Donovan Jackson finished the contest, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be back either.

Both Jackson and Darrisaw missed a second-straight practice on Thursday. Jackson has played in nine games this season, and so too has Darrisaw. The lack of availability doesn’t bode well for either, and short of limited participation on Friday, both will be out.

If Darrisaw is unable to go, then Brosmer will be looking to survive his first career start while having backup Justin Skule protect his blindside. Jackson being unavailable would force Blake Brandel back into action.

Both Justin Jefferson and Harrison Smith were upgraded from limited to full participation. A hip injury also put Jalen Redmond on the injury report as a limited participant.

Although quarterback J.J. McCarthy logged a second-straight limited practice, he has yet to clear concussion protocol. Minnesota signed veteran depth quarterback Desmond Ridder on Thursday.

Injuries have hamstrung the Vikings all year. They look to be trending in the wrong direction once again, and that’s not good news for a team that’s already 4-7.

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