Christian Darrisaw says his knee feels better than it has in two years, after tearing ligaments in October 2024 and missing seven games last season. With the Vikings needing stability on the offensive line and quarterback decisions ahead for 2026, his availabi
Christian Darrisaw can remember how rough the last two seasons have been for his body. Now, he’s saying the knee is finally trending the right way.
The Vikings have played 34 regular-season games over the last two seasons. but Darrisaw has been in the lineup for only half of them. He tore ligaments in his knee in October of the 2024 season. then missed seven games last year after returning to action. Even when he came back. he still missed portions of several other games. forcing the Vikings to shuffle along the offensive line.
Those injuries didn’t just disrupt the depth chart—they helped shape the team’s season. The Vikings ended up missing the playoffs with a 9-8 record, and the offensive line was never allowed to settle.
The situation took another hit this offseason when center Ryan Kelly retired. Still, on Thursday, Darrisaw struck a more optimistic note about where his knee is now. “Best it’s felt in two years,” Darrisaw said, via Emily Leiker of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “I’m trending in the right direction. Full motion, everything feels great.”.
That shift lands at an important time for a franchise that still has decisions coming. The Vikings have to settle on a quarterback for the 2026 season. and Darrisaw made it clear—with his health update—that his availability could matter just as much as the name at the top of the depth chart. If he can stay available more often this fall than he’s been over the last two seasons. the offense will have a much steadier foundation to build from.
Christian Darrisaw Minnesota Vikings knee injury 2024 Ryan Kelly retirement offensive line quarterback 2026 9-8 record