Optimism for Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw to start in the team's regular-season opener on September 8th kicked up a notch on Wednesday when the 26-year-old offensive lineman took part in 11-on-11 drills for the first time in this summer's training camp.
Prior to Wednesday, Darrisaw, who is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last October 24th, had only participated in individual drills since the start of Minnesota's 2025 training camp.
So, it was certainly a pleasant surprise to see the Vikings' starting left tackle on the field for team drills during Wednesday's practice, and then it also didn't take long for him to remind everyone why the team signed him to a $104 million contract last year.
Jonathan Greenard just getting BULLIED by Christian Darrisaw. https://t.co/5gpmt0vetZ
— Skol Geek (@SkolGeek) July 31, 2025
Top Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen all on track to start in Week 1 after latest progress from Christian Darrisaw
Darrisaw being on the field on Wednesday for team drills is incredible for his chances to be in the starting lineup when Minnesota opens up the 2025 regular season with a Week 1 showdown on "Monday Night Football" against the Chicago Bears.
With the opener against the Bears still more than 30 days away, it seems safe to assume that the Vikings will have their starting left tackle on the field for Week 1. Which also means that Minnesota is on track to open the 2025 season with all five of its top offensive linemen in the starting lineup.
If all continues to go well, a group consisting of Darrisaw, rookie Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Brian O'Neill will all take the field to block for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Week 1 against Chicago.
Expect Minnesota to continue to be cautious with Darrisaw and not rush him into situations that could negatively impact his recovery timeline. But Wednesday's moment was a huge step in the right direction for him to be ready to go for Week 1.