Vikings are still waiting for Christian Darrisaw

Minnesota Vikings fans will have to wait at least another week to preview their 2021 first-round pick. Left-wing tackle Christian Darrisaw once again found his way on the injury report on Friday and was officially listed as out for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

#MINvsAZ injury report

OUT: Anthony Barr, Christian Darrisaw, Everson Griffen, Harrison Hand

QUESTIONABLE: Eric Kendricks

– Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 17, 2021

Darrisaw’s absence is not unexpected after his surgery at the end of the preseason, but it continues into a crucial second week for the Vikings. Last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Vikings had 12 penalties accepted against them, many of which were committed by the offensive line.

Even though the offensive line is cleaning up and playing clean, the Vikings still have a tough job ahead of them. Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones had a historically good first week against the Tennessee Titans, registering five sacks.

Five sacks in a game are good for a tie for the eighth most since sacks began being recorded by the NFL. Against the Vikings, Jones already has four and a half career sacks in three games.

Jones will likely line up with veteran left tackle Rashod Hill on a continuous basis. Hill has shown his worth in the past as a decent backup. However, he also showed why he can’t be counted on as a starter, here are two examples from the game against the Bengals:

these are situations, angles, etc. different, but compare the set of Rashod Hill to that of Brian O’Neill. Hill has to get out quickly, takes a very awkward first step, forcing him to turn his hips and run to catch up. Didn’t allow pressure, but it’s far from ideal. pic.twitter.com/VSp0L52Hig

– Spencer Thompson (@ThompsonNFL) September 12, 2021

Rashod Hill came too far on the outside and was easily beaten on an inside swing by Trey Hendrickson. While carrying. Eight penalties for the Vikings so far, including seven on offense. pic.twitter.com/khj0ixdPAw

– Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) September 12, 2021

If he was available, Darrisaw wouldn’t start Sunday anyway. He hasn’t played at all since joining the Vikings, and we don’t know how well he trained. However, having Darrisaw available to come and relieve Rashod Hill could be critical nearby, must win matches.

Last Sunday was already an example of a need for depth, with backup linebackers and defensive backs coming and going as needed. The NFL season is long and grueling, and it won’t slow down anytime soon for the Vikings.

At about 4 p.m. Sunday, Minnesota could be in a position where every game will turn out alive or dead. Rick Spielman is better off hoping that his first-round pick will be ready by then, or he might start to feel his seat get a little warmer.