Although the Minnesota Vikings season is all but over with a 4-8 record , they still have five games to play. It appears that J.J. McCarthy will be under center this weekend after Max Brosmer 's disastrous debut . Unfortunately, injury concerns continue to shape the season for Kevin O'Connell's team.
Last weekend the Vikings were without the full complement of their starting offensive line . That has often been the case this season. Unfortunately it looks like that trend could continue this weekend, even if they'll get some of their offensive firepower back.
Both Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson have been question marks since leaving the game against Green Bay . Jackson didn't play last weekend against the Seattle Seahawks , and both will have designations to monitor this week.
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Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides an update on Donovan Jackson and Christian Darrisaw. pic.twitter.com/Brf7AYG82f
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 3, 2025
"Donovan is not quite there yet from a standpoint of participating in practice, but he's rapidly recovering and doing everything in his power to be on the field. It's been awesome to see, and we'll see how that works towards the end of the week. He's proven, coming off the wrist surgery earlier this year, he can go out there and play at a pretty high level if he can get to that place where he's stable and has the power and change of direction. Like I said Monday, the plan for Christian is to have his normal work week and flow and play in the football game."
It's a good thing that O'Connell believes Darrisaw will play on Sunday . The talented bookend was unavailable against the Seahawks and has played in just nine games this season . It sounds less certain that Jackson will be able to go.
Minnesota used the 24th overall pick on Donovan Jackson during the 2025 NFL Draft. He has provided something of a mixed bag when on the field, and has played in just nine games himself . If quarterback J.J. McCarthy is ever going to succeed, doing so behind a healthy offensive line is probably part of the equation.
Beyond just updates to the offensive line, O'Connell noted that the 21-day practice window would be opened for running back Ty Chandler. He has been out since the first week of the season and can add a new component on offense and special teams.
Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has announced that the team is opening the 21-day evaluation window for running back Ty Chandler.
The #Vikings have also signed Joaquin Davis to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/H0yg4i4UHJ— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 3, 2025
Chandler has fallen out of favor when it comes to a consistent role on offense, but he returned three kicks for 84 yards in Week 1 . It was the key end of game return that sealed Minnesota's victory over the Chicago Bears to start the season.
At this point he may have lost the role to rookie Myles Price . However, Price has made multiple mistakes in recent weeks and Chandler could look to claw his way back in down the stretch. This is Chandler's final year on his rookie deal after being a fifth round draft pick in 2022.
Joaquin Davis is a rookie wide receiver that was released by the Denver Broncos in August. His addition to the practice squad provides depth after the Adam Thielen went to the Pittsburgh Steelers .
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