Chicago Bears Rival Appears To Suffer Catastrophic Injury

The NFC North is stacked like never before this season. While everybody expected the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to set the pace, the biggest surprise has probably been the Minnesota Vikings. With journeyman Sam Darnold at quarterback, they jumped out to a 5-1 start, tying for the division lead. The Chicago Bears still have two games against them in the coming weeks. Unfortunately for Minnesota, their momentum is in serious danger of being disrupted after a significant incident on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams.

Right at the end of the first half, a defender landed on the left leg of star left tackle Christian Darrisaw, appearing to cave in his knee. He immediately left the game and was declared out shortly after. Initial analysis from experts suggests he suffered an MCL injury. The hope is the knee didn't suffer any damage besides that, which means he might be able to return in a few weeks. Otherwise, he could be looking at a long absence.

The Chicago Bears see the Vikings in November.

That is five weeks away. David Chao, a former NFL doctor, says it looked like mid or high-grade. That would mean Darrisaw could miss 4-6 weeks or seven or more. It means there is a possibility the Chicago Bears may not play against the Vikings left tackle in their first meeting. That could be a huge advantage in their efforts to stop such a potent offense. It doesn't even account for Minnesota's upcoming games against teams like Jacksonville and Tennessee, who have potent pass rushes. No matter how you spin it, this injury could benefit the Bears in a tight division race. Replacing players like Darrisaw is almost impossible. Kevin O'Connell is a great coach, but even he is at the mercy of the talent available to him.