MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings experienced it two losses in a short time. But perhaps an even bigger loss is that of Pro Bowl left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is away for a year with a knee injury.
Now the rest of the offensive line must adjust.
“It’s really hard. Especially watching the replay,” rookie tackle Walter Rouse said. “You’re so damned. You wish nothing but the best. When you go back at halftime and see him, it just hurts my soul.”
Rouse’s locker is right next to Darrisaw’s, who has become a mentor.
“He kind of took me under his wing,” Rouse said. “It was great to learn from him because he’s one of the best tackles in the league. So it was great. CD is just a great guy. So I pray for nothing but the best for him.”
Rouse is unlikely to replace Darrisaw. For now, it will be David Quessenberry’s job if Minnesota doesn’t make a roster move.
“I go into a game preparing as if I’m going to start,” Quessenberry said. “I’ve seen a lot as the swingman and as a starter. Always one play away. I’ve seen guys go down in warmups. I’ve seen guys go down the night before, all that. So I prepare like I’m going to start the game.”
For left guard Blake Brandel, it’s impossible not to miss lining up next to one of the best tackles in football.
“Oh, I’m going to miss that man very much. Obviously a great football player, but a great guy,” Brandel said. “Devastating. My heart goes out to him. It’s a tough deal and the worst part of football. But the next man up mentality and we just have to keep going.”
Rene Clayton
