Justin

Skule

Journeyman QB Carson Wentz starts in McCarthy’s stead. He is a boom-bust QB2 option against a soft Bengals defense. Vikings C Ryan Kelly and backup LT Justin Skule both suffered concussions in Week 2. Neither player cleared the protocol. On the plus side, LT Christian Darrisaw (knee), S Harrison Smith (illness) and LB Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion) are questionable to play in Week 3 against the Bengals.

Darrisaw practiced in full yesterday, but The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported earlier this week that Darrisaw is not guaranteed to play in Week 3 against the Bengals. We think today is likely just a rest day in his long-running rehab program. Vikings C Ryan Kelly (concussion) remains sidelined, as does backup LT Justin Skule (concussion).

It is Darrisaw’s first time participating in full team drills since training camp began. The left tackle tore his ACL and MCL in Week 8 and was able to participate in position drills in minicamp. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, he took “roughly half of the first-team snaps” in Wednesday’s practice before Justin Skule came in. Darrisaw’s progression indicates he could be ready for Week 1, though Skule will start if he is not.

Returning from a torn ACL and MCL in Week 8, Darrisaw actually participating in any real way is a good sign for his odds of being cleared to play early in the season. Justin Skule remains the left tackle during 11-on-11 drills at this point, and Darrisaw has not been cleared to participate in team drills. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports that it’s “not yet clear” if Darrisaw’s recovery time has sped up. Still, this is a shot of optimism in the idea that the Vikings won’t need to lean on Skule for too long early in the season.

Skule served as a backup swing tackle for the Buccaneers. He earned a 66.4 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 68.9 PFF run-blocking grade on 361 offensive snaps. Not bad for a backup. With LT Christian Darrisaw suffering a torn ACL in Week 8, Skule gives the Vikings an above-average backup in the event Darrisaw needs to manage his reps early in the year.

Skule appeared in all 17 games for the Bucs last year and saw most of his run on special teams. His last start came in 2020 with the 49ers. He will remain a backup tackle for the Bucs in 2024.

The team needed the roster spot after signing OL Senio Kelemete to replace Skule, who tore his ACL at Monday’s practice. The latter is still expected to go unclaimed and revert back to San Francisco’s roster, keeping the organization on the hook for his $894,714 cap hit this year.

Skule was the team’s first-string left tackle in Trent Williams’ absence, according to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows. Fifth round pick LT Jaylon Moore is among the candidates to replace Skule, who will probably miss the entire 2021 season. Skule, 24, is signed through the 2022 season.

Skule was a two-year starter at left tackle for the Commodores after manning right tackle as a sophomore. A limited athlete at 6'6/315, Skule is likely ticketed for the practice squad in year one.

Skule was a two-year starter at left tackle for the Commodores after manning right tackle as a sophomore. A limited athlete at 6'6/315, Skule is likely ticketed for the practice squad in year one.