Vikings can make the Colts pay now that Christian Darrisaw is back

Christian Darrisaw has cleared concussion protocol and is available for the Minnesota Vikings' Week 7 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Allison Koehler of The Viking Age argues that Darrisaw's return enables head coach Kevin O'Connell to expand Minnesota's passing game with deeper downfield throws. The matchup favors downfield concepts because Indianapolis ranks last in the league with a 24.4 percent quarterback pressure rate.

The Colts will also be playing without cornerback Sauce Gardner due to a calf injury, while the Vikings welcome back receiving targets Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. Koehler notes that while Darrisaw fortifies left tackle, Minnesota must still manage interior protection against Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner following a season-ending injury to left guard Donovan Jackson.