Brian

O'Neill

It’s a weird way to put it — so someone involved isn’t sure? — but it still feels more likely than not that O’Neill will get extended this offseason after being an observer during OTAs. The right tackle has been a force for the Vikings since being selected in the 2018 draft’s second round and figures to be a part of their plan so long as he continues playing well.

O’Neill, who turns 31 in September, has missed six games over the last three seasons and made a Pro Bowl in 2024. He carried a career-best 84.5 PFF run block grade in 2025 and figures to be a worthwhile starter for the short-term, so it would be surprising if the Vikings didn’t address his contract in some way this offseason.

Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is out, but J.J. McCarthy will at least have O’Neill and C Ryan Kelly active for this game. Inactive for the Vikigns are DT Javon Hargrave, LB Austin Keys, RT Walter Rouse, and QB John Wolford.

As was Brian O’Neill (heel), both upgrades from a Wednesday DNP. Christian Darrisaw (knee) remains sidelined. Still, this is a good update for anyone considering playing a Viking against New York’s woeful defense on Sunday. Most of the offensive line is trending towards being up for this contest.

Right tackle Brian O’Neill was also held out of practice. He is dealing with a heel issue. Christian Darrisaw has been in and out of the lineup with a knee issue of his own in recent weeks. All three linemen may miss Week 16. That would put J.J. McCarthy, who has performed much better in recent weeks, in a tough spot versus the Giants.

Right tackle Brian O’Neill is also expected to suit up. Both of Minnesota’s starting tackles were listed as questionable on Friday, creating the possibility for J.J. McCarthy to return to the lineup with two backup tackles. Though we still expect Aidan Hutchinson to be an issue for McCarthy, the good news is that his line will make it a fair fight.

The Vikings listed Darrisaw as a non-participant on Wednesday, briefly causing a scare, but the Vikings’ left tackle evidently feels good enough to play after going through a pre-game workout. Starting QB Carson Wentz will, unfortunately, be without RT Brian O’Neill (knee), who logged just one limited practice session this week. The Vikings also declared OLB Chaz Chambliss, DT Elijah Williams, FB C.J. Ham, LB Andrew Van Ginkel and QB J.J. McCarthy (emergency 3rd QB) inactive for Week 8 against the Chargers.

McCarthy will be the emergency third quarterback behind Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer. Active for the Vikings off the questionable line are OT Brian O’Neill (knee) and OL Michael Jurgens (hamstring), while LB Blake Cashman was activated off injured reserve ahead of the game.

O’Neill missed Minnesota’s final game in England after spraining his MCL in Ireland during Week 4’s loss to the Steelers. O’Neill did practice thrice this week and it would be a big help for Minnesota’s offensive line, which is getting healthier, if he were able to go against the Eagles.

In addition to Kelly, backup center Michael Jurgens (hamstring) has also been ruled out. The Vikings will also be out RT Brian O’Neill (knee) and LG Donovan Jackson (wrist), leaving the offensive line particularly thin against a physical Browns defensive front that’s led by Myles Garrett. With a Week 6 bye on the horizon, the Vikings will hope a week away will give their team plenty of time to heal up once they return stateside.