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Adding to the team's personnel challenges, starting left tackle
Personnel Adjustments and Depth Chart Shifts
In the wake of Jackson's injury, the team is looking toward second-year guard Joe Huber to step into the starting lineup. Huber, who previously started one game during the 2024 season while Jackson recovered from wrist surgery, also serves as the team's backup center. O'Connell expressed confidence in the group's resilience, noting that while the injury is a setback for Jackson—who was selected 24th overall in last year's draft—he remains an integral part of the team's culture.
For the left tackle position, Ryan Van Demark is the projected replacement for Darrisaw. Van Demark joined the Vikings this spring as a restricted free agent. The team is also monitoring the status of center Michael Jurgens, who is currently on injured reserve but is scheduled to resume practice this week.
Impact of Darrisaw’s Absence
The potential absence of Darrisaw is particularly notable given his status as one of the team's premier offensive players. Historical data suggests the Vikings' offensive efficiency has frequently fluctuated when the tackle is unavailable. Darrisaw has faced health hurdles in previous seasons, including missing three games in 2022 due to concussions and being limited to 10 games in 2025 following a significant knee injury that sidelined him for the second half of the 2024 campaign. The team will now look to navigate these latest roster complications as they prepare for their upcoming road contest in New Orleans.
