The Vikings were hoping that offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw's groin issues were a thing of the past after the team's first-round pick underwent surgery in January. That has not been the case, however, as Darrisaw underwent a core muscle procedure on Thursday. Darrisaw's lingering injury had limited his practice availability to the point that coach Mike Zimmer recently ruled him out of Minnesota's preseason opener against the Broncos on Saturday.
Speaking with the media Thursday, Zimmer did not hide his disappointment as it relates to Darrisaw's situation. Darrisaw has yet to take part in any live reps during camp and has only taken part in limited walk-throughs with the second team.
"It was taken care of in January," Zimmer said, via ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "We didn't expect this."
While Darrisaw continues to work through his injury, veteran Rashod Hill is in line to be the Vikings' starting left tackle when Minnesota opens the regular season in Cleveland. The former undrafted rookie has appeared in 59 regular-season games for the Vikings dating to the 2016 season. He made one start in 16 games during the 2020 season.
The 23rd overall pick in the 2021 draft, Darrisaw was a first team All-ACC performer during his final season at Virginia Tech. Darrisaw recently spoke about his ongoing injury issue.
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"It's definitely tough because you want to be here," he said, via Dave Campbell of Yahoo Sports. "You want to be available for the team. But right now I'm dealing with this little injury, and I know I'll be better. Once I'm out there, I'm going to be out there."
Darrisaw has found other ways to stay ready as he continues to work through his injury.
"He's done a really good job indoctrinating himself in the meeting room with our guys, and I think the guys enjoy having him in there," Vikings new offensive line coach Phil Rauscher recently said of Darrisaw. "He asks great questions, and we're just excited whenever he gets out there to work with him,"