The Minnesota Vikings are limping into their “Thursday Night Football” clash against the Los Angeles Chargers, with injuries continuing to plague the team. Just 24 hours before kickoff, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport delivered concerning news about two key starters: running back Aaron Jones and left tackle Christian Darrisaw, both listed as questionable for the game.
Rapoport reported via social media, “RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is questionable, as is LT Christian Darrisaw (knee).” This update casts a shadow over Minnesota’s preparations for the primetime matchup in Los Angeles.
Darrisaw, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier left tackles when healthy, has been battling injuries for much of his career. Last season, he suffered a devastating knee injury, tearing both his ACL and MCL, which sidelined him for the first two games of the 2025 season. After returning in Week 3, Darrisaw played 100% of the offensive snaps in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, even contributing on special teams. However, in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns, the Vikings pulled him early as part of a planned snap count reduction to manage his recovery. Following the team’s bye week, Darrisaw again played every offensive snap in a narrow six-point loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His reappearance on the injury report this week, however, signals ongoing concerns about his availability and reliability.
Meanwhile, Aaron Jones has been sidelined since Week 2 due to a hamstring injury, rendering him a non-factor for much of the season. Last year, Jones was a dynamic force for Minnesota, racking up 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns, along with 51 receptions for 408 yards and two scores. His potential return could be a game-changer for a Vikings offense that has struggled with inconsistent quarterback play since the season’s opening drive.
In Jones’ absence, the Vikings have leaned on Jordan Mason, acquired via trade in the offseason. Mason has performed admirably on the ground, amassing 380 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2025. However, his contributions as a pass-catcher pale in comparison to Jones, with just nine receptions for 34 yards in six games this season, following a career total of 14 catches for 122 yards over three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Vikings’ quarterback situation adds further complexity. Second-year QB J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, remains the third-string/emergency quarterback for the second consecutive week and won’t play against the Chargers. Jones’ ability to catch passes out of the backfield could be a significant asset for McCarthy or whoever lines up under center once he returns.
A healthy Christian Darrisaw is equally critical, as his presence on the offensive line dramatically improves Minnesota’s prospects, regardless of the quarterback. With both players’ status uncertain, Vikings fans are left holding their breath as the team faces a tough road test on a short week.