In the sport of football, injuries are literally part of the game. However, some of these injuries can be avoided, and this was the case for Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw during the final minutes of the first half of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Rams.
With the score tied at 14, the Vikings lined up on their own three-yard line with 35 seconds to go in the second quarter. But instead of just kneeling and running out the clock, Minnesota called a meaningless run play that resulted in a two-yard gain and an unfortunate injury to Darrisaw.
During the play, a Rams defender fell into the back of Darrisaw's left knee, and the Vikings starting left tackle had to be helped back into the locker room to end the half.
Foolish Minnesota Vikings decision results in Christian Darrisaw injury vs. Los Angeles Rams
Obviously, hindsight is 20/20, but if Minnesota just wanted to run the clock out, then they should have just kneeled instead of handing the ball off to Aaron Jones.
Teams shouldn't play scared in the NFL because injuries are always going to happen. But teams also have to be smart to help lower the chances of their players getting injured, and the Vikings didn't do that on Thursday.
Now, Minnesota has to hope that Darrisaw wasn't seriously injured, because if he is, their chances of being a serious contender in the NFC this season will be significantly impacted.