Sources: Vikings to start Christian Darrisaw at left tackle in Carolina

Darrisaw, the 23rd-overall pick, is expected to make his first start as the Vikings left tackle against the Panthers, two sources told the Star Tribune.

October 16, 2021 at 11:59PM
Minnesota Vikings defenseman Christian Darrisaw practices during NFL football rookie minicamp Friday, May 14, 2021, in Eagan, Minn. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)
(Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Christian Darrisaw era is getting underway.

The Vikings will start the rookie first-round pick on Sunday against the Panthers, according to two league sources, after he debuted at left tackle behind Rashod Hill last week vs. Detroit. It's unclear if there will still be a playing time split between Darrisaw and Hill, but the rookie will get his first start with the Vikings at Bank of America Stadium.

Hill, the sixth-year veteran, started the first five games as Darrisaw recovered from a lingering core muscle injury that required two surgeries to repair. Darrisaw has appeared in two games since the latest operation, Aug. 12, but was limited to special teams work in the first outing and a rotational role in last week's 19-17 win vs. the Lions.

Darrisaw drew strong reviews from coaches after his first 28 snaps with the Vikings offense, which for him was a long time coming. His last reps as a college tackle had been 10 months and two surgeries ago.

"It was no worries," Darrisaw said Friday. "I trust the trainers here, and the support staff and Dr. [William] Meyers and everything like that. We had a plan and I knew that every day I would come and attack it. There was light at the end of the tunnel. Now we're here and ready to go."

Darrisaw, the Maryland native and Virginia Tech product, will have a cheering section in Charlotte for what figures to be the biggest day yet of his NFL career.

"I've got a few family members coming down for the Carolina game," Darrisaw said. "Baltimore will probably be the most popular. That's where I'm from. But I have a few family coming down to Carolina."

about the writer

about the writer

Andrew Krammer

Reporter

Andrew Krammer covers the Vikings for the Minnesota Star Tribune, entering his sixth NFL season. From the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium, he's reported on everything from Case Keenum's Minneapolis Miracle, the offensive line's kangaroo court to Adrian Peterson's suspension.

See More