EAGAN, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings could have a new configuration on the left side of their offensive line Sunday when they play at the New Orleans Saints.
Left guard Donovan Jackson is headed for what is likely season-ending surgery to repair a meniscus tear, coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday. Meanwhile, left tackle Christian Darrisaw is in the concussion protocol.
Second-year guard Joe Huber is expected to replace Jackson, while Ryan Van Demark -- whom the Vikings signed as a restricted free agent this spring -- would replace Darrisaw.
Jackson was an immediate starter last season after the Vikings made him the No. 24 pick of the draft.
"Donnie's gotten off to a great start this year," O'Connell said. "Unbelievable offseason and ascending player. A temporary setback for him, but very, very excited about Donovan Jackson, the player, and we'll support him and love him up, and he'll still be a big part of that O-line room and culture here as we move forward."
Huber, who started one game last season when Jackson had wrist surgery, is also the Vikings' backup center. O'Connell said center Michael Jurgens, currently on injured reserve, will begin practicing this week.
Darrisaw is one of the Vikings' top players, and their offensive performance has dipped noticeably in recent years when he has been unable to play. He went into the concussion protocol in consecutive weeks during the 2022 season and ultimately missed three games as a result. He also missed the second half of the 2024 season because of a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, which also limited him to 10 games in 2025.
