Vikings Injury Updates: Garrett Bradbury, Marcus Davenport, Christian Darrisaw
The Vikings had two starting offensive linemen — center Garrett Bradbury and left tackle Christian Darrisaw — leave the game due to injury during the first half of Sunday's season-opening loss against the Buccaneers. One was able to return, one wasn't. Minnesota was already without Marcus Davenport, who was inactive due to an injury he picked up in practice.
Minnesota will hope to have all three players for Thursday night's game in Philadelphia, but the nature of the quick turnaround suggests that's probably unlikely. Here's what Kevin O'Connell had to say about each player after the loss.
Marcus Davenport
Davenport (ankle) was a late addition to the injury report this week after getting hurt on Thursday. He was limited in Friday's practice, but the Vikings were hoping he would progress to the point of being available for this game. He worked out in front of trainers and coaches on Sunday morning and the decision was made to hold him out.
"Just kind of something that — it looked like he was progressing, we knew we'd be up against it, but he just couldn't quite get to that point where we could get him feeling comfortable to go," Kevin O'Connell said. "Didn't want to have him start out like that (less than 100 percent), so now he'll have a chance to hopefully get some treatment and he'll be day-to-day."
The Vikings could really use Davenport against the Eagles on Thursday night. They could've used him in the second half on Sunday when they struggled to get off the field.
Injuries have been a notable part of the story of Davenport's NFL career.
Garrett Bradbury
Bradbury left the game in the first half with a lower-back injury and was eventually ruled out. Austin Schlottmann replaced him at center for the remainder of the contest.
The fact that it's a back injury is notable because Bradbury missed the final five games of the 2022 season with a back issue. His absence was extended because he tweaked his back when he was involved in a minor car accident.
Bradbury's status for Thursday's game is obviously now in question.
"I would classify him as day to day," O'Connell said. "It was a low-back and he had some soreness in there, something that just kind of popped up throughout that part of the game."
Bradbury's absence was felt as the Vikings dealt with some communication issues up front.
"Whether Garrett's able to turn over on a short week or it'll be (Schlottmann) out there, whatever combination we decide to go with, we'll put together the plan that works while hopefully getting Garrett back as soon as we can."
Christian Darrisaw
Darrisaw became the second starter on the Vikings' offense line to leave the game when he went to the medical tent to be evaluated for an ankle injury in the second quarter. Oli Udoh replaced him at left tackle for the rest of the quarter, but Darrisaw was able to return to the game in the second half after getting his ankle wrapped up.
"Toughed it out," O'Connell said. "I'm sure he'll be sore but fighting like crazy to make it" for Thursday's game.
Darrisaw's status will be another one to monitor during this short week. It would be a massive loss if he can't suit up against the Eagles.
Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all season long.
