Vikings Inch Closer to Christian Darrisaw Verdict
Justin Skule blocked Bud Dupree in first-quarter action on Sep 22, 2019, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle, wearing number 67, faced the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker as San Francisco’s line worked to protect the pocket in the early stages of the matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports.
The aforementioned Robinson did not return for 2025, signing with the Houston Texans, and the other reserve offensive tackle, David Quessenberry, joined the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. Without Robinson or Quessenberry, Skule would assume a starter’s workload until Darrisaw’s return.
Skule produced a 69.2 Pro Football Focus grade last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while playing about 350 snaps. That will work in a pinch.
More on Darrisaw
Star Tribune‘s Andrew Krammer noted on Darrisaw’s trajectory for Monday night: “There is a ‘good possibility’ that quarterback J.J. McCarthy has premier left tackle Christian Darrisaw protecting his blind side during the Vikings’ season opener on Monday night in Chicago, coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday. Darrisaw, the 315-pound blocker, is more than 10 months removed from the two torn ligaments in his left knee that ended his 2024 season.”
“The endurance of Darrisaw’s surgically-repaired left knee would be a reason the Vikings may still hold him out, O’Connell said. Tackle Justin Skule, the 28-year-old journeyman who signed with the Vikings in March, would start if necessary. The Vikings and Bears will issue the week’s first injury reports on Thursday.”
Christian Darrisaw lined up on the offensive line during the Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sep 19, 2022, at Lincoln Financial Field. The Minnesota Vikings tackle, wearing number 71, prepared for a snap as the team looked to establish protection in the primetime road game. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings haven’t lost a game at Soldier Field in six years.
