After missing a week, Vikings rookie Christian Darrisaw feeling good

Vikings rookie left tackle Christian Darrisaw, their first round pick, is back after missing time with a groin injury. Every practice rep is important, as the Vikings are replacing veteran Riley Reiff. Protecting Kirk Cousins’ blindside will be key to the Vikings trying to repeat their 2020 offensive success.

Limited through two days of practice, Darrisaw hopes to participate fully in Saturday’s scrimmage at U.S. Bank Stadium. He’ll need time, both in practices and games, to have a chance to start Week 1 at Cincinnati. Veteran Rashod Hill has been getting the first team reps at left tackle.

***Click the video box above to watch Darrisaw meet with reporters after Thursday’s practice***

Darrisaw underwent surgery in January to address groin pain and missed some time in mini-camp and organized team activities in the spring. Then, when camp opened on July 28, he still wasn’t cleared.

Darrisaw, who starred in college at Virginia Tech, was taken with the No. 23 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft.