In his first-ever NFL start, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy will have to attempt to lead the Minnesota Vikings to a win over the Chicago Bears on Monday without the help of his starting left tackle, Christian Darrisaw.
Shortly before the start of Monday's game in Chicago, the Vikings ruled out Darrisaw, who has been working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered last October.
McCarthy already had plenty to deal with and worry about for his starting debut with Minnesota, but now he won't have one of the best left tackles in the league protecting his blindside.
J.J. McCarthy won't have Christian Darrisaw blocking for him when Minnesota Vikings face Chicago Bears on Monday
Heading into Monday's Week 1 matchup, it seemed like there was some optimism building about Darrisaw potentially starting against the Bears. But the Vikings clearly still think there's too much risk involved in putting him out on the field.
It's possible that part of that risk has to do with the current conditions of the turf inside Chicago's Soldier Field.
Before Monday's game, a video clip of the stadium's turf being in terrible shape circulated around social media, and it wouldn't be surprising if the field conditions had something to do with Minnesota making Darrisaw inactive for the matchup.
Without Darrisaw available, veteran offensive lineman Justin Skule will likely step in as the Vikings' starting left tackle. Skule has been in the NFL since 2019, and he's made a total of 17 starts in his pro career.
Thankfully, the rest of Minnesota's starting offensive line, which includes rookie left guard Donovan Jackson, center Ryan Kelly, right guard Will Fries, and right tackle Brian O'Neil,l will all be on the field for Monday's NFC North showdown against the Bears.
Expect Vikings tight end Josh Oliver to also spend a good amount of his snaps lining up on the left side of the team's offensive line to help ensure that McCarthy's blindside is still protected.