The Minnesota Vikings are expected to have their full offensive unit intact relatively early in the upcoming season, though likely not in time for their Week 1 Monday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw — who was playing at a Pro Bowl level before tearing his ACL and MCL mid-season against the Los Angeles Rams — has made strong progress in his recovery. Still, he is not expected to be fully cleared by September 8. Darrisaw recently secured a four-year, $104 million contract extension that kicks in starting in 2026.
Once healthy, Darrisaw will resume his role as the cornerstone of a revamped offensive line in Minnesota. The unit now includes first-round pick Donovan Jackson (left guard) out of Ohio State, along with free-agent additions Will Fries at right guard and Ryan Kelly at center.
Fries signed a five-year, $88 million deal, while Kelly agreed to a two-year contract worth $18 million. Both players were starters for the Indianapolis Colts last season.
In 2024, Pro Football Focus ranked Darrisaw as the 20th-best pass-blocking tackle among 120 qualifiers, sixth-best in run blocking, and 11th overall at the position.
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