Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw relished being back on the field Sunday. Darrisaw started and played almost every meaningful snap in Minnesotaâs blowout victory over the Bengals, his first live action since last October when he tore two ligaments in his left knee.
âIt was a surreal feeling,â Darrisaw said postgame. âItâs been 332 days since my last game. Just being able to go out there and play against the rushers I was playing against â Trey (Hendrickson), I got a lot of respect for him, heâs one of the best in the game.â
To make it even sweeter for Darrisaw, 26, the Vikings coasted to a 48-10 win. Carson Wentz, starting in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy, threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
What Was Christian Darrisawâs Injury?
Darrisaw tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee in a game against the Rams on Oct. 24, 2024. Following surgery, Darrisaw was told he faced a 12-month recovery.
In the months that followed, it was hard for Darrisaw not to feel anxious about that timeline.
âKind of antsy hearing all the noise, âWhen is he going to play? When is he going to play?ââ Darrisaw said, via the Minnesota Star Tribune. âIâm ahead of schedule. No one thought Iâd be here right now playing at the level Iâm playing at. Itâs a testament to the hard work.â
How Did Christian Darrisaw Play in His Return?
Lined up opposite Hendrickson, Darrisaw looked like his old self. The Bengals four-time Pro Bowler finished with just one tackle.
According to Pro Football Focus, Darrisaw gave up zero pressures on 38 offensive snaps and committed only one penalty.
The Vikings (2-1) stormed out to a 34-3 halftime lead and outgained the Bengals 352-171 in total yards. Jordan Mason ran for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, and Justin Jefferson led all receivers with 75 yards on five catches.
Afterward, Vikings head coach Kevin OâConnell talked about how important it was to have Darrisaw back.
âIf thereâs ever a question of what a franchise left tackle means to an organization, I think we felt it today,â OâConnell said, via ESPN. âI think we felt it throughout the week. I think the confidence level that his teammates had, our quarterback had, was felt. And thatâs really what guys like CD at the, you know, top tier, their position in the NFL do to teams. ⦠Watching him do what he did today, and he will only build on it ⦠Iâm just so proud of him.â
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