Vikings offensive linemen Christian Darrisaw, Will Fries practice together amid injury concerns

For the first time since revamping the offensive line this offseason, the Vikings had all five projected starters on the field during Wednesday’s first full-team practice of training camp.

That included left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is nine months removed from two torn ligaments in his left knee, and new right guard Will Fries, signed by the Vikings to a five-year, $88 million contract in March despite fracturing his right leg in October.

Wednesday marked Fries’ first Vikings practice in front of reporters after only observing spring sessions amid his ongoing rehab.

“Leg feels good. Good first day out here,” Fries said after Wednesday’s practice. “I can’t ask for much more. I’m in a really good spot.”

Fries and Darrisaw were cleared to practice at the start of training camp. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has been vague about their timetables to return, but said Tuesday that Fries needs time to acclimate physically from his rehab and mentally in a new playbook.

“Then he’ll assume, kind of, hopefully a full allotment of reps here,” O’Connell said, “and then we’ll take a look at what that looks like as camp goes on.”

Fries, a former 2021 seventh-round pick who ascended into the Colts’ starting lineup, said that acclimation period is catalyzed by experienced teammates like new center Ryan Kelly (Fries’ Colts teammate) and right tackle Brian O’Neill, a two-time Pro Bowler.

To get to this point, Fries said he needed a second procedure on his right leg this spring – after signing with the Vikings in March – when “some other things came up” in his rehab. He declined to give details on the procedure or the issue that needed attention.

“I’m going to be all good moving forward,” Fries said.

Fries took one walk-through rep on Wednesday with the starting offense before ceding the rest of his work to Blake Brandel. Darrisaw also sat out team drills as backup tackle Justin Skule worked with the starters.

“They haven’t given me the green light,” said Darrisaw, who took limited practice reps during mandatory minicamp in June. “But coming out here on the field, things will continue to progress as the weeks go on and we’ll see where we’re at.”

Tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered a similar injury – a torn ACL and MCL – and returned in about 10 months last season. The 10-month mark would give Darrisaw enough time to return for the season opener on Sept. 8 in Chicago, but he’s not guaranteeing that’s when he’ll be ready.

Safety Josh Metellus plays nearly every snap on defense and many on special teams for the Vikings, and he did not take many snaps off during Wednesday’s practice when reporters were waiting to see if he’d continue to take himself out of drills amid contract negotiations.

It’s common for NFL players to “hold in” instead of hold out during contract talks, meaning they’ll report to camp to avoid fines but not participate in everything.

Metellus sat out full-team drills this spring, but he was a full participant Wednesday, when he said team bonding is more important than making a statement during contract talks.

“Just getting closer to the season, still got to build that chemistry with the guys,” Metellus said. “Obviously with Cam [Bynum] leaving, the defense looks a little bit different.”

Since signing his current contract before the 2023 season, Metellus has outplayed the $4 million annual deal as a full-time defender and team captain. He said he’s optimistic about agreeing to a new contract before the season, but he’s also ready to hit free agency in 2026 if required.

Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune contributed to this story.

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