EAGAN, MN (AP) — Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings’ first-round draft pick, has not yet taken any reps during full-team drills, and will not for a while.
Darrisaw, who had a groin injury last season at Virginia Tech that necessitated core muscle surgery in January, has yet to take a turn during full-team drills. A person with knowledge of the situation, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team was not releasing details, confirmed that Darrisaw had a minor procedure Thursday by specialist Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia.
Darrisaw will be out of action for the next few weeks.
“It was taken care of in January,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said after the practice against Denver. “We didn’t expect this.”
Minnesota drafted Darrisaw 23rd overall in the hopes he’d fill the void at left tackle after veteran Riley Reiff was released in March. Darrisaw mostly has been an observer instead of the integral piece for the Vikings’ continued overhaul of the offensive line.
Veteran Rashod Hill, re-signed in the offseason as insurance, has been the top left tackle in Darrisaw’s absence.
Zimmer said doctors have told him Darrisaw could be ready for the season opener on Sept. 12 at Cincinnati. Even then, Darrisaw’s lack of practice likely complicates his ability to contribute early.
“I wouldn’t put a number on it,” offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said of how much practice time Darrisaw will need when he returns. “With any player coming off an injury, they’re all different. I would say when he’s been here, he’s been really sharp and really dialed in. So, mentally, I don’t think it’ll be a problem. We’ve just got to get his physical reps and get his conditioning.”
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