It looks like Kirk Cousins blind side will be a little safer on Monday Night in Chicago. After two weeks of patching in Oli Udoh at left tackle, sources believe Christian Darrisaw is slated to make his return to the starting line up.
Darrisaw was listed as a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday due to an ankle injury, but did not receive an injury designation ahead of Monday’s game. The first round pick, who took over as the Vikings’ starting left tackle in Week 6, could prove crucial to the offensive line heading into a matchup against a Bears defense that, despite a myriad of injuries, still ranks fourth in sacks this season with 36.
Maybe more interesting than Darrisaw’s return is how the rest of the line will be filled out. Sources also believe that Mason Cole will keep his job as right guard and Oli Udoh will move to the bench.
Discussing Udoh, Mike Zimmer told reporters: “He’s got such great athleticism and size, and really good physicality. He’s a really smart kid, so he’s been able to [move around], but he does feel more comfortable at tackle.”
This information could be taken one of a two ways. A vote of confidence in Mason Cole and Garrett Bradbury. Cole has done very well in his duties as both center and guard and Bradbury seems to have a new pep in his step since returning from covid and a benching.
It could also be looked at as a “what the hell took so long” situation? If Udoh wasn’t comfortable at tackle and Mason Cole has been this capable, why did it take this long to make this decision? Shouldn’t this have been the lineup long before Darrisaw was hurt?
Regardless of how we got here, the Vikings and Kirk Cousins will surely be thrilled to have their rookie left tackle back on the field for an important game with playoff implications.
