Christian Darrisaw’s 2024 season has sadly come to an early end.
The standout left tackle for the Minnesota Vikings suffered a knee injury that will require season-ending surgery, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. It’s a tough blow for the Vikings and their fans, especially given the key role Darrisaw has played in their offense.
The injury happened just before halftime during Thursday night’s 30-20 loss to the Rams. Darrisaw didn’t return to the game, and later, an MRI confirmed the severity of the injury. Veteran David Quessenberry, who has seven years of experience, stepped in to replace him for the remainder of the game.
Before this unfortunate injury, Darrisaw had been a force on the field. He had started all seven of Minnesota’s games in 2024 and was continuing his excellent form as quarterback Sam Darnold’s blindside protector. His efforts earned him an impressive 81.4 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus, proving once again that he’s among the top left tackles in the league.
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This level of performance is nothing new for Darrisaw. In the two previous seasons, he had played at a similar high level, even posting a career-best 90.3 grade in 2022. Since being drafted by the Vikings as the 23rd overall pick in 2021, he’s been a key player on the offensive line, quickly proving his worth.
Unfortunately, injuries have been a recurring theme for Darrisaw. While he’s never managed to play a full season, his best mark for games played in a year being 15, this latest knee injury will make 2024 the shortest season of his career. It’s a huge setback for both him and the team as they lose one of their cornerstone players.
The Vikings, sitting at a strong 5-2 record, now face the challenge of moving forward without their star left tackle for the rest of what has been a promising season. Fans will be hoping the team can adjust and keep their momentum going despite this tough loss.
