The Minnesota Vikings are going into their Week 3 tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals without their starting quarterback. They will not have their top center, among others, either. However, the Vikings are expected to get a key duo back this week.
Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw and All-Pro fan-favorite safety Harrison Smith are expected to make their regular-season debuts in Week 3.
“#Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw (knee) and S Harrison Smith (illness) — both of whom have yet to play this season — are expected to make their debuts on Sunday, sources say,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on September 20. “Both are slated to start, but will likely rotate on and off.”
It is a boost on multiple levels for a Vikings squad that could use one, and that was just the start.
Vikings All-Pro Defender Set to Make Return
GettyAndrew Van Ginkel #43 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Chicago Bears.
While the Vikings can expect Darrisaw and Smith to make their debuts, they will get outside linebacker and 2024 Second Team All-Pro Andrew Van Ginkel back.
“Help is on the way Sunday for the Vikings,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on September 20, noting Darrisaw, Smith, and Van Ginkel are all expected to face the Bengals in at least a limited capacity.
Van Ginkel was also a Pro Bowler in 2024, his first season in Minnesota.
The Vikings listed him as “questionable” on their Friday injury report. With their key trio of starters set to return, the Vikings are in as good shape as they could have hoped for.
Van Ginkel is under contract through 2026, with a one-year, $23 million extension kicking in next season.
That is especially true given the circumstances at quarterback heading into their game against the Bengals in Week 3. And there is even more good news on the horizon for Wentz and the Vikings. Wide receiver Jordan Addison is coming off a suspension in Week 4.
Vikings S Harrison Smith Set to Make 2025 Debut
GettySafety Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings.
Smith, a First Team All-Pro in 2017, is in his 14th NFL season. At 36 years old, he remains a force for the Vikings when on the field in recent seasons. He has also been durable, missing no more than two games in any season since 2015.
His illness is undisclosed, but he missed training camp and the preseason.
Getting him back will provide a steadying presence for a remade Vikings secondary. It features two new corners and one fresh face starting at safety.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported earlier in the day that, “barring a last-minute setback,” Smith would make his debut in Week 3. Rapoport’s report is further confirmation and a positive development for the Vikings in an interconference battle with the Bengals.
Smith is on a one-year, $10.2 million pact, making it $33.2 million combined, underscoring the caliber of players returning to action for the Vikings in Week 3.
Christian Darrisaw’s Return Great News for Carson Wentz
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before facing the Chicago Bears.
No single player on the Vikings will appreciate Darrisaw’s potential return against the Bengals more than Wentz. The Vikings started veteran Justin Skule in his place. However, he suffered an injury in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons and is out for Week 3.
Wentz remains mobile in his 10th NFL season.
Still, it is better to have the former first-round draft pick (2021), Darrisaw, protecting his blindside than any of the Vikings’ current backups.
The Bengals do not boast a strong pass rush, with 3 sacks through two weeks. But with all that the Vikings are having to deal with – Wentz joined the team on August 26, less than one month before his imminent debut – having as many stalwarts in place as possible is significant.
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