Vikings Down on Defense, Line Availability in Question for Week 14

Last weekend, the Minnesota Vikings dropped a contest against the Seattle Seahawks. Rookie QB Max Brosmer made his NFL debut in place of the concussed J.J. McCarthy. After the bad loss, they exited the contest with a laundry list of injuries, and those trended in a more positive direction as the week went on.

Now turning their focus to a game against the Washington Commanders, McCarthy will be back under center. It will be a wait and see situation on the offensive line again, but the final injury report provides clarity elsewhere.

Offensive line uncertainty for MN Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings know that Jayden Daniels will be the opposing QB against them this weekend. And, they have to beat him without a pair of their defenders. If they are going to do so, having the offensive line intact would go a long way towards making that possible.

#WASvsMIN final injury report

OUT: Theo Jackson and Levi Drake Rodriguez

QUESTIONABLE: Ty Chandler*, Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson

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

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 5, 2025

Both Theo Jackson and Levi Drake Rodriguez being out hurts the MN Vikings from a defensive depth perspective. The bigger key, though, would be having both Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson ready to rock.

Earlier this week, head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned that Darrisaw would go through a normal weekly progression and be expected to play. He had hope for Jackson, but was much less certain.

Both enter the contest with questionable tags, and they’ll presumably workout pregame to make sure they can handle a full workload. Darrisaw has missed three games this season with Jackson being unavailable for the same amount.

The Minnesota Vikings spent a bunch of money to beef up the offensive line in the offseason, and it has largely been a miss. The group has not been overly effective, and they have really struggled to stay on the field. If they can play together on Sunday against the Commanders, it will be just the second time it has happened all season.

Looking to get back on the field as well is Ty Chandler. The running back had contributed in the return game, and could be an option alongside Myles Price if the miscues continue.