LT Christian Darrisaw
LG Donovan Jackson
C Ryan Kelly
RG Will Fries
RT Brian O’Neill
Due to the easing of Christian Darrisaw onto the field after last season’s knee injury and various injuries to three of the other linemen, that dreamy offensive line has played zero snaps together. With high hopes entering the season, it’s frustrating for the Vikings to be sitting at 2-2 through four weeks. A big reason for the frustrating start has been the injuries that have consistently jumbled the offensive line. Not only have the projected starters not played a snap together, the Vikings will be starting their fourth different group of the season when they face the Cleveland Browns in London on Sunday.
Week 1
LT Justin Skule
LG Donovan Jackson
C Ryan Kelly
RG Will Fries
RT Brian O’Neill
Christian Darrisaw was way ahead of schedule in his rehab from the knee injury that ended his 2024 season in October. There were hopes that he’d be ready for Week 1. The Vikings took no chances and kept Darrisaw off the field in Week 1. Week 2 as well.
Week 2
LT Justin Skule
LG Donovan Jackson
C Ryan Kelly
RG Will Fries
RT Brian O’Neill
The Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons was the start of the injuries that have consistently jumbled the offensive line since. Ryan Kelly and Justin Skule left this game with concussions. Each would miss Week 3.
Week 3
LT Christian Darrisaw
LG Donovan Jackson
C Michael Jurgens
RG Will Fries
RT Brian O’Neill
At least Christian Darrisaw returned to the field. With the big guy back, it’s no surprise that the Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals was the best the offensive line, and offense, has looked all season. It helps that the defense scored two touchdowns and forced five turnovers. It was also nice that the offensive line left the game with no injuries. Well, that’s not quite true. It turns out Donovan Jackson injured his wrist against the Falcons. It was determined that he wouldn’t further injure the wrist if he played against the Bengals but he’d need surgery soon after. He had that surgery the day after the game. That surgery will keep him out through the Week 6 bye. So, no Jackson for the overseas games in Weeks 4 and 5.
Week 4
LT Christian Darrisaw
LG Blake Brandel
C Ryan Kelly
RG Will Fries
RT Brian O’Neill
Donovan Jackson’s wrist surgery kept Week 4 from being the debut of the “Dreamy 5.” Ryan Kelly returned from his Week 2 concussion. Blake Brandel is a solid replacement for Jackson. This group had the potential to build on the improved offensive line play of Week 3. Unfortunately, this group wasn’t on the field long. Group leader and team stalwart Brian O’Neill suffered a knee injury while blocking for the field goal that capped the Vikings first possession. Ryan Kelly left the game at halftime with another concussion. His concussion situation has become the team’s most concerning injury situation. While this promising group started the game, Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries were the only projected starters that finished it. And, that will be case against the Browns on Sunday. As of now, it looks like the Vikings will be trotting out these five offensive onto the Tottenham Hotspur turf.
Week 5
LT Christian Darrisaw
LG Blake Brandel
C Michael Jurgens
RG Will Fries
RT Justin Skule
At least Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries are out there. Unfortunately, the Browns have one of the best defensive fronts in the league. To be honest, this offensive line has far more promise than many of the offensive lines the Vikings have forced on the field over the past decade-plus. That isn’t really a good thing. It’s more of a coping thing. Darrisaw and Fries are strong players. Blake Brandel is solid. Ryan Kelly’s unfortunate concussions have given Michael Jurgens some needed experience. He’s shown some promise. I’m probably less worried about him than the right tackle situation. Justin Skule had some rough moments when he was filling in for Darrisaw at left tackle in Weeks 1 and 2. Hopefully Skule has a better time on the right side. He’s a solid swing tackle and I believe that he’s better than he showed early in the season. At least, that’s the hope.
If there’s good news to the Vikings offensive line situation, it’s that Donovan Jackson and Brian O’Neill could be back as soon as the team returns from their Week 6 bye. They are needed as the Vikings hit the roughest part of their schedule upon that return. As for Ryan Kelly, his well-being moving forward is far more important than any football game.
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