### Vikings' Season Ends Early for Left Tackle Christian Darrisaw Due to Knee Issues The Minnesota Vikings have officially placed left tackle Christian Darrisaw on injured reserve, effectively ending his season as he continues to struggle with the aftermath of reconstructive knee surgery. This decision comes after a series of setbacks in his recovery, which began with a significant injury sustained in Week 8 of the previous season. The Vikings, now eliminated from playoff contention, made this collaborative decision involving the medical and coaching staff, as well as Darrisaw himself, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Darrisaw's injury history includes a torn ACL and MCL, which has hindered his ability to maintain consistent performance throughout the season, as he was unable to finish five of the ten games he started this year [https://apnews.com/article/vikings-darrisaw-injured-reserve-f5d11e852ad7ca054cc03a9140932b9e]. ### Breakdown of Darrisaw's Injury and Season Performance 1. **Injury Background** - Darrisaw suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee during a game in Week 8 of the previous season. - His recovery has been complicated, leading to inconsistent performance and multiple absences from games [https://www.fox9.com/news/vikings-darrisaw-ir-season-dec-2025]. 2. **Season Overview** - Darrisaw was initially held out of the first two games of the current season. - He returned to play but struggled to complete games, finishing only five out of ten starts [https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/vikings-darrisaw-injured-reserve-f68602]. 3. **Decision to Place on IR** - The Vikings' decision to place Darrisaw on injured reserve was made collaboratively by the medical staff, coaching staff, and Darrisaw himself. - This move aims to allow Darrisaw to reset his recovery process and focus on long-term health [https://www.espn.ph/nfl/story/_/id/47360059/vikings-shut-christian-darrisaw-knee-injury-lingers]. ### Supporting Evidence of Darrisaw's Performance and Injury Impact - **Games Played**: Darrisaw started 10 games this season but was unable to finish five of them. - **Injury Timeline**: His significant knee injury occurred over 14 months ago, and the lingering effects have impacted his performance throughout the season [https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/vikings-news-christian-darrisaw-lands-on-ir]. - **Team Status**: The Vikings are now out of playoff contention, which influenced the decision to shut down Darrisaw for the remainder of the season [https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/vikings-tackle-christian-darrisaw-out-for-remainder-of-season]. ### Conclusion: Darrisaw's Season and Future Outlook In summary, **Christian Darrisaw's season has been marred by ongoing knee issues, leading to his placement on injured reserve**. This decision reflects a strategic move by the Vikings to prioritize his long-term health over short-term gains, especially as the team has been eliminated from playoff contention. 1. **Injury Complications**: Darrisaw's recovery from a significant knee injury has been inconsistent, affecting his ability to contribute effectively to the team. 2. **Collaborative Decision**: The choice to place him on IR was made collectively by the coaching and medical staff, emphasizing the importance of his health. 3. **Future Considerations**: Moving forward, the Vikings will need to reassess Darrisaw's recovery and performance as they plan for the next season [https://newz9.com/vikings-star-lt-darrisaws-rollercoaster-season-takes-a-tough-turn-with-ir-placement].