Returning from a torn ACL and MCL in Week 8, Darrisaw actually participating in any real way is a good sign for his odds of being cleared to play early in the season. Justin Skule remains the left tackle during 11-on-11 drills at this point, and Darrisaw has not been cleared to participate in team drills. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports that it’s “not yet clear” if Darrisaw’s recovery time has sped up. Still, this is a shot of optimism in the idea that the Vikings won’t need to lean on Skule for too long early in the season.

Darrisaw tore his MCL and ACL in Week 8. O’Connell did not have a timetable for his return. It’s plausible that as a lineman — not doing a ton of running — Darrisaw will be able to be cleared for the start of the season. We’d speculate that that he probably misses some time at the start of the season. He’s a likely PUP candidate come training camp.

Darrisaw left the Vikings’ Thursday matchup with the Rams late in the second quarter because of the knee issue. He underwent an MRI this morning that revealed an injury severe enough to require season-ending surgery, though Rapoport didn’t report the exact nature of the problem. David Quessenberry took his spot in the lineup in the second half. Darrisaw is one of the best left tackles in the league and signed a $113 million contract in the offseason. His loss will be a notable blow to an offense that has played stunningly well under journeyman Sam Darnold.

Darrisaw had his left leg rolled up on late in the second quarter of Thursday night’s loss to the Rams and did not return in the second half. One of the league’s better left tackles, Darrisaw signed a four-year, $113 million contract this offseason and had allowed just two sacks and nine pressures entering Thursday’s game. Backup David Quessenberry is the favorite to start for Darrisaw in the event he misses time after filling in for him on Thursday. We’ll know more about the severity of Darrisaw’s injury after the MRI.