Last weekend, the Vikings were once again without their full complement of starting offensive linemen, a recurring problem. Unfortunately it looks like that trend could continue on Sunday, even though some offensive firepower may return.

Offensive line remains a question for MN Vikings

Both Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson have been question marks since leaving the game against Green Bay. Jackson didn’t play last weekend against the Seattle Seahawks, and both players will have designations worth monitoring this week.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell provides an update on Donovan Jackson and Christian Darrisaw. pic.twitter.com/Brf7AYG82f

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 3, 2025

“Donovan is not quite there yet from a standpoint of participating in practice, but he’s rapidly recovering and doing everything in his power to be on the field. It’s been awesome to see, and we’ll see how that works towards the end of the week. He’s proven, coming off the wrist surgery earlier this year, he can go out there and play at a pretty high level if he can get to that place where he’s stable and has the power and change of direction. Like I said Monday, the plan for Christian is to have his normal work week and flow and play in the football game.”

Kevin O’Connell

There is good news: O’Connell believes Darrisaw will play Sunday. The talented left tackle missed the Seahawks game and has played in just nine contests this season. There seems to be less optimisim, however, that Jackson will be able to suit up.

The Vikings selected Jackson 24th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. His on-field performance has been something of a mixed bag, and like Darrisaw, he has appeared in only nine games. If quarterback J.J. McCarthy is going to succeed, doing so behind a healthy offensive line will be a critical part of the equation.

Ty Chandler trending towards Minnesota Vikings return

Outside of the offensive line, O’Connell also noted that the 21-day practice window would be opened for runningback Ty Chandler. Chandler has been out since Week 1 and can add a spark on offense and special teams.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has announced that the team is opening the 21-day evaluation window for running back Ty Chandler.

The #Vikings have also signed Joaquin Davis to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/H0yg4i4UHJ

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 3, 2025

Chandler fell out of favor in the offensive rotation, but he returned three kicks for 84 yards in the season opener, including the critical late-game return that sealed Minnesota’s win over the Chicago Bears.

He may have lost the job to rookie Myles Price, though Price has made costly mistakes in recent weeks. Chandler could have an opportunity to reclaim his role down the stretch. This is the final year of his rookie contract, after he was drafted in the fifth round in 2022.

Joaquin Davis, a rookie wide receiver released by the Denver Broncos in August, has been added to the practice squad to provide depth after Adam Thielen’s departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Reports suggested that Max Brosmer would start for the Vikings after J.J. McCarthy left Week 12 concussed. That has now been confirmed by Minnesota, and the final injury report for Week 13 is now available.

Max Brosmer gets first career start for MN Vikings

Kevin O’Connell turned the quarterback position over to J.J. McCarthy this season. Things have not gone well and he owns a 2-4 record with a 54.1% completion rate. After suffering a concussion against Green Bay, he has officially been ruled out. It’s the Max Brosmer show this week.

Max Brosmer will get his first career start this Sunday in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/cmsG6woKND

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 28, 2025

After going undrafted following a strong senior season with the Minnesota Gophers, Brosmer showed out as his pro day and turned heads from the Minnesota Vikings. He played well during his preseason action, and has drawn rave reviews from multiple coaches.

Now 11 games into the season, Minnesota will give Brosmer a chance to pick up his first NFL win. It has been quite a meteoric rise for Brosmer, who just a couple of years ago, was playing at the FCS level.

In 13 games for the Gophers last season, Brosmer completed 66.5% of his passes for 2,828 yards and 18 touchdowns. Equipped with an even more weapons around him, Brosmer should be in a position to thrive.

With McCarthy inactive, veteran John Wolford will be elevated to serve as backup. Desmond Ridder was signed this week to provide depth throughout practice.

Offensive line incomplete again for Minnesota Vikings

It’s not just McCarthy that will be inactive this weekend. Both Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson left the Green Bay Packers contest. It’s possible that Darrisaw is back, and that would be beneficial for Brosmer, but Jackson is out.

Final #MINvsSEA injury report

OUT: Donovan Jackson and J.J. McCarthy

QUESTIONABLE: Christian Darrisaw, Jonathan Greenard, Theo Jackson, Josh Metellus and Jalen Redmond pic.twitter.com/HiNF4xpte4

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 28, 2025

Jackson has now missed multiple games this season. Of 12 total, he will have played in just nine. Jonathan Greenard has missed multiple weeks now, and remains questionable. Jalen Redmond has filled in some on the edge, but popped up on the injury report Thursday with a hip issue.

The Vikings certainly can’t afford to be without both Theo Jackson and Josh Metellus. That is two-third of their starting safeties, and would leave aging veteran Harrison Smith on his own.

Minnesota was healthier than they have been all season against the Packers. Unfortunately that clean bill of health was fleeting and quickly reverted to the injury bug they have dealt with all season.

If the Vikings are going to rip off a victory in Seattle as double-digit underdogs this weekend, they’ll do so shorthanded on the offensive line yet again, unless they get substantially better news on the injury front Friday,

Minnesota Vikings offensive line remains a problem

Last weekend in Green Bay, the Vikings had their starting offensive line together, as intended, for the first time this season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that’ll be the case this week out west, after Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson both missed their second-straight practice on Thursday.

Seahawks-Vikings injury report for Thursday. And Happy Thanksgiving, y’all. pic.twitter.com/c3X28IPCFO

— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) November 27, 2025

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.

Beyond just Minnesota losing on Sunday in Green Bay, both Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson failed to finish the game. The Vikings intended starting offensive line had not paired together through the first 11 weeks of the season, and they didn’t finish together during their first opportunity.

Things aren’t looking up to start the week either.

Minnesota Vikings still hurt up front

Max Brosmer is projected to start for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against the Seattle. With how poorly J.J. McCarthy has played, it would not be a shock to see him elevate the offense. As has been the case most of the season though, he may not have a full offensive line in front of him.

The #Vikings first injury report of the week. pic.twitter.com/n5sHys5JQe

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 26, 2025

Both Jackson and Darrisaw were limited in practice to start the week for the Minnesota Vikings. Kevin O’Connell’s team has additional days to get ready for their road trip, but the linemen need to see a boost in their availability sooner rather than later.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell shares an update on Donovan Jackson and Christian Darrisaw. pic.twitter.com/sh87eV2Wi8

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 26, 2025

“Both those guys, they will not participate today. Donovan obviously dealing with his ankle, and it’s sore, but we’ve had conversations about seeing what the rest of his week looks like as possibly being available for this week. At the same time, he’ll have to kind of improve from where he’s at right now to have a chance to play, which is very possible. Christian is working through just some soreness, but hopefully we’ll have a chance to get him some work here as the week goes on and determine his status for the game.”

Kevin O’Connell

Neither Darrisaw nor Jackson finished the game for the Minnesota Vikings in Green Bay. Each of them are integral parts of the offensive line. It has been evident at multiple points this season how much of a dropoff there is from Darrisaw to backup Justin Skule. Jackson was a first round pick for a reason as well.

If the Vikings want fill-in quarterback Max Brosmer to put the best foot forward, then a capable offensive line is part of the process. Should Darrisaw now be able to go, Skule would take over. Blake Brandel, who has filled in at center for Ryan Kelly, is the next man up at the guard position.

This offseason the Vikings spent a considerable amount of money in the trenches. Thus far the offensive line specifically has failed to stay on the field. That has been tough to overcome, and the play of McCarthy has not made it any easier.

Minnesota kicks off against Seattle on Sunday with a 4-7 record. They’ll hope to best the 8-3 Seahawks led by 2024 14-game winner Sam Darnold.

The timing couldn’t have been any better, either, facing hated division rival Green Bay in a game the Vikings had to win to keep their 2025 season alive. Unfortunately, their young quarterback let the team down yet again, in a 23-6 loss, the type of failure that’s becoming dangerously routine for the redshirt rookie out of Michigan.

Just as we have seen for the past few weeks, the Minnesota Vikings offense was stuck in the mud all Sunday afternoon in Green Bay. On the day, JJ McCarthy & Co put up a total of 6 points against a Packers defense that feasted on their young quarterback all day.

With every week that goes by, it becomes more and more obvious that the Vikings’ No. 1 problem is their second-year QB. Against the Packers in week 12, not only did the kid QB throw for just 87 total yards, but for the third-straight game, McCarthy threw two interceptions.

MN Vikings walk out of Green Bay with more OL injuries…

For the non-math wizzes out there, that’s SIX total interceptions. In those same three games, the 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick threw just TWO touchdowns. And worse yet, that newly healthy offensive line we opened this article talking about… doesn’t look all that healthy anymore.

After a pair of concussions landed him on injured reserve, veteran center Ryan Kelly was back to lead the offensive line. Will Fries was out of practice early in the week, but he took the field Sunday as well.

Unfortunately two other o-linemen — left tackle Christian Darrisaw and left guard Donovan Jackson — did not escape so lucky, both exiting early with ankle injuries. On a positive note, neither seems overly serious… but it’s too early in the process to start guessing at availability for week 13.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides injury updates following today's game. pic.twitter.com/5dO0LXvwI0

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 23, 2025

“Christian Darrisaw had an ankle that he tried to play through. Eventually he came out of the game. Donovan Jackson also had an ankle and a foot and was trying to come back in the game. The trainers thought it would be best to hold him out as well. Metellus had a shoulder, but was battling through that, and able to return.”

Kevin O’Connell

Darrisaw has proven to be an instrumental part of the line, but we knew that coming into the year. The Minnesota Vikings needed their young, talented LT at full strength against Micah Parsons, and he was far from that.

The Vikings opened as 9.5 point underdogs tonight, for their matchup one week from Sunday, another road game, this time out west against the QB that got away, Sam Darnold, and his new team, the Seattle Seahawks.

Jeff Okudah and Josh Oliver, who both missed the Lions game, didn’t practice. Neither did Harrison Smith (rest). Theo Jackson was a DNP too, after suffering a concussion that was diagnosed Monday.

CJ Ham, however, returned to the practice field in a limited fashion, as did Josh Metellus and Jalen Redmond. Will Fries (calf) also showed up for one of the first times all season, as limited. But on Thursday, the outlook got a little bit brighter in multiple spots.

Week 10 Injury Report: Minnesota Vikings get healthier Thursday

Will Fries was a full participant today, as was Metellus and Smith. Jackson moved to the next stage of concussion protocol, as he too was a limited participant, after taking yesterday off.

Unfortunately, Okudah and Oliver remain out. As has been the case for most of the season, Darrisaw was a DNP on Thursday, after putting in a full day of practice on Wednesday.

Related: Asante Samuel Jr Visit is Not What You Think…

The 4-4 Minnesota Vikings will play against Lamar Jackson and the 3-5 Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon, looking to pull off their second upset victory in as many weeks. JJ McCarthy will make the fourth start of his NFL career and second since returning from an ankle injury he suffered week two.

This week 10 matchup is at U.S. Bank Stadium, yet the Ravens come in as -4.5 point road favorites, showing just how up against the odds Minnesota really is in this matchup. If the Vikings are going to stand any chance of another surprise victory, they will need all hands on deck, just like they had in Detroit.

In week 9, redshirt rookie JJ McCarthy reminded fans and media members why he was drafted No. 10 overall in 2024, following five-straight games on the sideline recovering from a high ankle sprain, which came after two underwhelming performances to start his NFL career.

On top off that, the Vikings defense played far and away the best game of its 2025 season, pressuring Jared Goff nonstop with blitzers up the middle that the veteran quarterback and Lions coaching staff failed to make proper adjustments for throughout the afternoon.

But really, Sunday’s victory was a product of improving health on both sides of the football in Minnesota. Andrew Van Ginkel wreaked havoc on defense for just the third time this year. Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill bookended the offensive line during the entire contest for just the second time together all season.

Aaron Jones optimistic about his chances to play vs Ravens

Of course, there were some injury scares during the game. That’s football, especially for the 2025 MN Vikings. Aaron Jones exited early with what he disclosed, after the win, as a sprained AC Joint.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell was careful to disclose any details on whether Jones will play next week against the Ravens, but the second-year Vikings running back was extremely confident in the locker room that he’ll be available, noting that he’s suffered and played through this exact injury before.

Aaron Jones had 98 total yards in the win over the Lions today. Then he left the game with a shoulder injury and didn't return. He told me he's alright and will be back on the field. #Vikings @kare11 pic.twitter.com/eZ6S6YqGSL

— Reggie Wilson (@ReggieWilsonTV) November 3, 2025

“I feel alright. It’s just take a day or two to recover. I’ll be back out there. I have played through an AC [joint injury] before. [Not coming back in vs the Lions] was more precautionary, just because we weren’t able to get up here an get an X-ray and see how bad it was. But I’m good, I’ll be good. I’ll be back out there [vs the Ravens].”

Aaron Jones on AC Joint injury after win vs Lions

Other Minnesota Vikings injury updates

Outside of Aaron Jones’ injury on Sunday in Detroit, the Minnesota Vikings seemingly got out of Detroit injury free. Justin Jefferson went down during the game, but returned after being treated for cramping. All three of Andrew Van Ginkel, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill played the entire game.

Not only that, but in the locker room after the game, the veteran right tackle told reporters that, while he did not want to speak for Christian, he feels like both Vikings tackles are “both trending in the right direction” and “close to 100%.”

“I think both me and [Christian Darrisaw] are trending in the right direction in terms of getting close to 100 percent. I can’t speak for him fully, but just being around him the whole week, I think we’re both trending in the right direction.”

Brian O’Neill after Lions win (via the Star Tribune)

Related: JJ McCarthy Rides Emotional Roller Coaster After Impossible Vikings Win

That is great news, especially being that Darrisaw has taken himself out of multiple games this season, because he wasn’t feeling close to 100%. We found out on Sunday just how important it is for the MN Vikings to have their most talented linemen (and linebackers on defense) available.

Unexpectedly, Minnesota was better in the trenches than Detroit yesterday. That does not happen if Darrisaw, O’Neill, Van Ginkel and Cashman aren’t all available for the important interdivisional matchup.

The key to a successful second half for the Vikings, beyond the development of JJ McCarthy, is health. And going into week 10, it appears they are on the come-up in that department.

That includes FB CJ Ham, CB Jeff Okudah and TE Josh Oliver. As expected, we didn’t see JJ McCarthy, Jonathan Greenard or Isaiah Rodgers listed on the Vikings final injury report, entering their massive NFC North tilt against the (5-2) Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon, meaning all three players are expected to start.

Minnesota Vikings list four players as “questionable” vs Lions

Unfortunately, Brian O’Neill, Christian Darrisaw and Andrew Van Ginkel could not get fully cleared by the medical staff after Friday’s practice. All three were previously listed as “full” or “limited” throughout the week and will go into the weekend “Questionable”, according to the Minnesota Vikings injury report.

And if that wasn’t enough, safety Josh Metellus is dealing with what KOC described as “foot soreness” all of a sudden. He too was added to Friday’s report, in surprise fashion. But before fans start to hyperventilate, make sure to read beyond the below injury table, because that’s not the only context our head coach provided.

While the MN Vikings’ final injury report may have an uncomfortable number of question marks, the head coach seemed a lot more optimistic about the likelihood that all of these “Questionable” Vikings players will be available vs the Motor City Kitties on Sunday afternoon.

Kevin O’Connell expects “questionable” Vikings to play

In fact, KOC told reporters Friday during his regularly-scheduled press conference that he expects all four of them to play. Metellus’ soreness didn’t seem to concern the head coach, who went on to buck the official status of O’Neill, Darrisaw and Van Ginkel, telling media he expects them all to go.

Friday afternoon, an EXTREMELY peppy Kevin O'Connell listed off FOUR Vikings starters as "Questionable" to play Sunday in Detroit.

Then one-by-one, he told reporters that all four will play… pic.twitter.com/sjvl3WE72b

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 31, 2025

KOC: “We’ll have four players questionable, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brian O’Neill, Josh Metellus… and Christian Darrisaw.. All those guys were either limited or full [at practice] today, based upon a ‘Fast Friday’ workload.”

Reporter: “Was Van Ginkel full?”

KOC: “By my eyes he was, and by the sheet, he was as well. Yeah, he’s had a really good week. I anticipate him playing.”

Reporter: “You’ve been hopeful about Darrisaw and O’Neill during the week, do you still feel that way?”

KOC: “Yeah, yeah. I think CD, with his plan to return, it’s always been about kind of managing the week based on how he’s feeling and getting him as ready to go as we possibly can for Sunday. I know he felt really good today. Obviously, we’ll see how he he shows up tomorrow but we feel really good about those guys right now.”

Kevin O’Connell – Friday press conference (original video via the Minnesota Vikings – Cut by MN Sports Fan)

Related: Brave NFL Expert Picks Vikings Over Lions…

In all honesty, the NFL injury reports bother me and the league needs to figure out how to make them more accurate because, as they are currently regulated, these reports are a complete joke, as outlined by Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell today.

But in the larger picture, pertaining to the chances our favorite football team has as -9.5 point underdogs on the road vs a division rival, KOC’s presser today was extremely good news for the purple. Looks like they will be mostly at full-strength this weekend, and they’ll need it to stand any chance.

There’s also the exciting reality that J.J. McCarthy will be back under center for the first time since Week 2. Minnesota’s presumed quarterback of the future is locked in as the starter, and Carson Wentz is out of the picture after undergoing season-ending surgery.

As has been the case all season, it comes down to who will be protecting the signal caller.

Linemen continue to highlight MN Vikings injury report

The Vikings spent a substantial amount of money on the offensive line this offseason. They intended to have a beefed up front, and things have not gone according to plan. Injury and availability has been at the crux of the problem, and concerns remain for Week 9.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/coTAYmiwqz

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 30, 2025

Local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson has reported that Brian O’Neill will play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. That would seem to have given Minnesota a chance at a nearly-complete offensive line. That was until Christian Darrisaw popped up on the injury report and didn’t practice on Thursday.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert is reporting that Darrisaw’s knee issue is not simply a day of rest as was the case earlier this season. The star left tackle underwent season-ending surgery last year, took two weeks to appear in a game this season, and missed last Thursday’s contest.

It is a certainty that veteran fullback C.J. Ham will not play for the Vikings on Sunday. He missed the first four games of the season spending that time on injured reserve. He then missed last week’s contest and will now be out for a second straight game due to a hand injury.

#Vikings FB CJ Ham wont play this Sunday against the #Lions, @DWolfsonKSTP mentioned via @SKORNorth.

Ham has now missed 2 straight games, and was seen wearing a bulky wrap on his hand a week ago 👇 pic.twitter.com/7vlsvy51Qn

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 30, 2025

Jonathan Greenard, who has been on the injury report, will be back out there against Detroit. That’s a positive with Andrew Van Ginkel getting in a second-straight full practice. The tandem of edge rushers should help each other thrive if both can be on the field at the same time.

Neither Jeff Okudah or Josh Oliver were on the field again Thursday. Okudah is dealing with his second concussion this season. That could mean another elevation for practice squad veteran Fabian Moreau.

The Minnesota Vikings are nearly double-digit underdogs against the Lions, and they’ll have their hands full if an upset is in the cards.

One day removed from head coach Kevin O’Connell naming JJ McCarthy as the Vikings starter for Sunday, Minnesota’s first injury report of week 9 released on Wednesday afternoon. And not only was JJ McCarthy a full-go today, but so too were starting OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (Neck) and LT Christian Darrisaw (Knee).

Minnesota Vikings looking healthier in early week 9 injury report

Notably, OLB Jonathan Greenard (Ankle), RT Brian O’Neill (Knee) and CB Isaiah Rodgers (Shoulder) were all limited at today’s practice. FB C.J. Ham (Hand), CB Jeff Okudah (Concussion) and TE Josh Oliver (Foot) did not practice.

Related: Former Viking Kirk Cousins Has Requested Trade

This is one of the more positive injury reports that the Minnesota Vikings have had all season. JJ McCarthy, we know will be under center on Sunday, barring some sort of freak injury or setback on his ankle.

Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw spoke with reporters this week and told them that the original timeline on his knee injury was 12 months, which he is still ahead of. That’s why, according to Darrisaw, he and the team have been so cautious with his return. We will see how limited he is tomorrow, after a full day of practice today.

Return of Andrew Van Ginkel incoming…?

The best news on this report is Andrew Van Ginkel. His status is supposed to be very much up in the air for Sunday. After a full day of practice, right after he told reporters that he hopes to play on Sunday in Detroit, bodes well toward his availability.

Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) spoke to reporters today for the first time since he last played in Week 3. He said it’s his goal to play Sunday but not a certainty. Would not detail the injury nor say whether he needs surgery.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 29, 2025

Related: Vikings WR Could Be Popular Trade Candidate at Deadline

Until we hear otherwise, I am assuming Brian O’Neill will be returning to the MN Vikings o-line this week too. As long as he can practice, at least in a limited fashion for most of the week, he’ll probably be on the field.

But again, practice schedules for injured players have been weird for the Vikings all season long, so we’ll see what Thursday brings. O’Neill and Darrisaw both know how badly JJ McCarthy needs them both to be part of his protection package vs the Lions and Aidan Hutchinson.

If all of the limited/full participants at Wednesday’s Minnesota Vikings practice — including Isaiah Rodgers and Jonathan Greenard — can suit up in Detroit four days from now, it will be a much different team that takes to Ford Field, than what we saw one week ago in LA vs the Chargers.