Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy Loses Left Tackle Christian Darrisaw Minutes Before First NFL Start

Christian Darrisaw was ruled inactive moments before the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears, leaving rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy without his expected starting left tackle for his first regular-season start.

The Vikings announced the move Monday, listing Darrisaw out with a knee issue. Justin Skule is expected to take over at left tackle for the NFC North opener. Minnesota also will be without veteran safety Harrison Smith, who was ruled out with an undisclosed illness.

Darrisaw tore the ACL and MCL in his knee last October in a game at Los Angeles and was limited to seven games last season after the injury, according to team reports. He had practiced fully on Saturday and entered the final injury report listed as questionable, but the team moved him to inactive shortly before kickoff.

McCarthy, 22, is making his first regular-season start more than a year after being selected No. 10 overall by Minnesota. He missed his rookie season following a torn meniscus in his right knee and has spent the offseason preparing to take over the Vikings’ offense. Sam Darnold, who started for Minnesota last season, signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, and the Vikings committed to McCarthy as their quarterback of the future.

Chicago also entered the game dealing with injuries. The Bears announced that starting defensive backs Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon would not play, and linebacker T.J. Edwards was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Those absences reduce Chicago’s defensive backfield depth and veteran linebacker options for the opener.

Minnesota’s decision to list Darrisaw inactive comes after a season in which durability questions followed the 26-year-old lineman. The team will rely on Skule and its remaining offensive-line rotation to protect McCarthy in his NFL debut.

Coaches from both clubs indicated in pregame comments that last-minute roster changes are part of the opening-week logistics, and both teams adjusted game plans to account for the inactive players. The Vikings’ starting lineup for Monday night will reflect the late change at left tackle and the absence of a long-time defensive leader in Smith.

The game marks the start of the regular season for both teams, with Minnesota aiming to begin its schedule behind its young quarterback and Chicago seeking to open with a win despite its defensive absences. Team officials did not provide further prognoses on expected recovery timelines for Darrisaw or Smith prior to kickoff.