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EAGAN, Minn. — Left tackle Christian Darrisaw said Friday he’s ready to return Sunday after missing two games due to a concussion. The decision now is up to the Minnesota Vikings.
Darrisaw, who suffered concussions Nov. 13 at Buffalo and Nov. 20 against Dallas, went through a full practice Friday and cleared the concussion protocol. The Vikings listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game at Detroit.
“I feel great,” he said. “I feel ready (to play), for sure, no doubt.”
Edge rusher Danielle Hunter and fullback C.J. Ham both returned to practice Friday after missing two days due to illness, but neither was on the final injury report. The Vikings also listed as out defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (bicep) and as questionable safety Harrison Smith (neck) and center Garrett Bradbury (back). Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Smith has recovered from an illness that resulted in him missing practice Wednesday, but that his neck injury has been “lingering” since last Sunday’s 27-22 win over the New York Jets.
Darrisaw said it’s up to the Vikings whether he plays against the Lions.
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“He’s done a great job and he’s really felt great all week,” O’Connell said. “But we just want to make sure we’re doing what’s best for Christian and giving him a chance to have a big impact on us here the rest of the way.”
Darrisaw spoke to the St. Paul Pioneer Press last month about suffering the first concussion of his life against the Bills. He returned to face the Cowboys on Nov. 20 but then suffered another one.
“Really, it was more steps,” he said. “Just like seeing doctors and really how I felt … It just lingered around longer than the first time, so I just took things slow.”
Darrisaw returned to practice on a limited basis Dec. 2, and wore a red no-contact jersey. He again wore that jersey in practices Wednesday and Thursday before clearing the protocol Friday.
O’Connell said there is a good chance cornerback Cameron Dantzler, who was designated for return from injured reserve on Wednesday, will be activated for Sunday’s game after missing four games due to a high left ankle sprain. Dantzler said his ankle is “absolutely” 100%, and he expects to start.
“I’m excited to play with the guys and I miss these ugly faces being out there with them,’’ Dantzler said with a laugh. “So it’s very exciting, especially at the moment. We (can) win the division. So it’s like a big moment for us.”
The Vikings will clinch their first NFC North title since 2017 with a win or a tie against the Lions.
Mattison fined
Vikings running back Alexander Mattison was fined $6,503 by the NFL for a touchdown celebration against the Jets in which he pretended to hurt his thigh and then went to the ground and twerked.
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Mattison said Monday he didn’t expect to be fined. On Friday, referring to the league putting plenty of highlights of his celebration on social media and on the NFL Network, he tweeted, “They share it like crazy (and) then fine you. Like crazy.”
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