After missing practice this week with the Vikings preparing to play the New York Giants, star left tackle Christian Darrisaw has been placed on injured reserve. It had been trending in this direction for Darrisaw as he’s been dealing with the lingering effects of a significant knee injury. He has missed games here and there this season while trying to navigate a recovery process that has extended longer than anybody saw coming. Asked about Darrisaw earlier this week, head coach Kevin O’Connell said he doesn’t think this will be an issue long term. He added that they have tried to put together a plan to manage the ups and downs in the short term. “I don’t think this is going to be anything that will be a part of his future,” O’Connell said. “I do think we’re going to be able to put this in the rear view mirror here.” The decision to place Darrisaw on injured reserve means the Vikings will move forward with backup left tackle Justin Skule starting in his place. That will at least provide some certainty for the Vikings when constructing a game plan. “The most challenging times are when there’s some uncertainty about whether he’s going to be able to go,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “That’s the nature of going into a game plan saying, ‘OK. We may have him. We may not have him.'” A big part of the game plan without Darrisaw available has been having tight end T.J. Hockenson chip on the edge before going out to run a route. “We’ve had some injuries on the offensive line so I’ve been asked to do some protection stuff,” Hockenson said. “Those are things that I haven’t done a lot. I’m going to do whatever I can do to help this team win. That’s what we’ve been asked to do.” Related Articles The Loop NFL Picks: Week 16 Vikings fan injured in hit-and-run outside Cowboys stadium in suburban Dallas How comments from Kirk Cousins help explain J.J. McCarthy’s struggles Vikings star safety Josh Metellus out for the season ‘A pretty impressive performance’: J.J. McCarthy praised by The QB School ...read more read less