ESPN Report: ‘This is the end of the road for me.’ Minnesota Vikings Star QB Sam Darnold in tears as he announces his….

Blake Brandel played five games at left tackle in 2022 and he allowed seven sacks and 13 pressures.

After sustaining a left knee injury during Minnesota’s 30–20 loss to the Rams on Thursday, Christian Darrisaw will be out for the remainder of the season. At left tackle, what do the Vikings do now?

In LA, David Quessenberry took Darrisaw’s spot. He allowed two pressures on 14 passing plays and had a poor PFF pass-blocking grade. With Darrisaw out, he is the de facto starting left tackle, but the Vikings have other options. The Vikings have other choices if they want to look elsewhere, even if Quessenberry might very well be the player they keep in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season.

Exchange for Cam Robinson
Robinson, 29, is in the last year of his deal and has been franchise-tagged twice by Jacksonville. Minnesota might attempt to trade for Robinson in order to have a left-side tackle of starting caliber. Without Darrisaw, it might be the only way the Vikings don’t miss too many games. In addition to being a rental, he might be a high draft pick. If the Vikings are certain that Darrisaw will be healthy in 2025, would they consider re-signing him?

This season, Robinson has given up 15 pressures and four sacks, but all four came against the Bills and Browns in Weeks two and three. With the exception of an eight-pressure game against Buffalo, he has only given up seven pressures.

Take a risk on youngster Walter Rouse.
Throughout preseason and training camp, head coach Kevin O’Connell was raving about Rouse. He weighs 313 pounds and is 6 feet 6 inches, making him a giant. Because of his athleticism, the Vikings even stated that they would think about using him at guard. However, this might be the right time to activate him and see what he can do. Remember, even with a rookie sixth-round pick starting at center, the Rams just defeated the Vikings.

Go Left tackle Blake Brandel
This season, Brandel has started all of his games at left guard; last season, he only played at right guard. However, during Weeks 10–14 of 2022, while Darrisaw was battling concussions, he filled in at left tackle. In those five games, he was called for three penalties and gave up seven sacks and 13 pressures, so it didn’t go well.

Perhaps, though, Brandel would be better off trying again two years later. Dalton Risner is anticipated to be ready for his season debut against the Colts on Sunday, so the Vikings might move him to left guard if he’s the best choice. Risner’s natural stance is that.