The Vikings’ injury issues have been especially devastating on the offensive line. On the other side of the football, it’s been the linebackers who can’t stay on the field.

Minnesota’s secondary was an area of concern throughout the football world this offseason, but didn’t seem to be a priority inside TCO Performance Center.

The Vikings defense has been solid this season, but between injuries and lack of depth, it’s safe to say the football world was proven right about their secondary concerns.

Harrison Smith is not the same player he once was and Theo Jackson has not been the ball-hawking safety we were sold on him being when they let Cam Bynum walk during the offseason.

Minnesota’s issues on the back end, combined with a lack of depth throughout the secondary, has forced Josh Metellus into a bunch of different roles this season, and his performance took a hit because of it.

Josh Metellus placed on IR by Minnesota Vikings

Entering week 16, Metellus started every game for the 2025 MN Vikings, totaled 86 tackles, half a sack, and two interceptions, which is tied for the team lead. Unfortunately, that’s where his numbers will end.

On Wednesday, Josh Metellus went on injured reserve, officially ending his season. Just like defensive teammate, Jonathan Greenard, Metellus will undergo surgery ASAP to repair the shoulder injury, now that the Vikings have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

“One of our captains, and a guy that I could not respect more for the toughness he’s shown playing with that injury” – Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on S Josh Metellus being placed on IR. pic.twitter.com/QdBElRaWAt

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2025

“We have kind of been evaluating that shoulder on a week in and week out basis. Got home late Sunday and then went through some of the medical evaluations on Monday and into yesterday. It’s been determined he’s going to get his shoulder fixed as well…One of our captains, and a guy that I could not respect more for the toughness he’s shown playing with that injury.”

Kevin O’Connell

This marks the first time Metellus has played fewer than 15 games in a season. Though listed as a safety, Metellus has never played the position, in a traditional sense.

The former Michigan standout lines up all over the field, sometimes acting as a linebacker, others a slot cornerback, and obviously safety. Josh’s role once Smith is no longer on the roster will be something worth monitoring.

Vikings Continue to keep Christian Darrisaw active

Despite having nothing to play for, the Minnesota Vikings continue to keep Christian Darrisaw on the active roster. The talented left tackle makes a clear difference when he’s on the field, but his health is a week/daily question mark.

The #Vikings will hold a walk-through instead of practice today after the late game on Sunday, Kevin O’Connell said. Christian Darrisaw won’t participate in the walk-through; O’Connell said the Vikings are taking things day-to-day with him. They haven’t shut him down for the…

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 17, 2025

Darrisaw has played in 10 of Minnesota’s 14 games this season and has been a fixture on the injury report since week 1. Since signing his contract extension, Christian has appeared in only 17 of the Vikings’ last 31 games.