Things could get out of hand Minnesota. After starting the year 5-0 with a quarterback looking to revive his career, the Vikings have dropped their last two games. To make matters worse, they can be without their starting left tackle for some time.

Christian Darrisaw went down with an apparent knee injury in the first half of the Vikings’ second straight loss to the Rams on Thursday night.

According to one NBC Sports storyVikings coach Kevin O’Connell said they had to change some of the offensive approach when Darrisaw went down. Those adjustments may be ever-changing and long-term if Darrisaw’s injury is significant.

Darrisaw entered the season as one of the best left tackles in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF)Darrisaw finished 4th, behind Trent Williams, Tristan Wirfs and Pena Sewell, in that order. He was also a big reason why Darnold was able to get off to such a hot start. In the first five games of his Vikings career, Darnold had 1,111 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Although the Vikings have lost two in a row, their offense hasn’t slowed down. That could change with Darrisaw’s injury.

Darnold is tasked with turning things around for the Vikings. With two straight losses in one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this season, any more slipups and the Vikings could be outside the playoff bubble. Fortunately, they’re heading into a regular spot on the schedule, with games against the Colts, Jaguars and Titans on the schedule — three teams that are a combined 7-13.

That task becomes more difficult, offensively, with Darrisaw out. Although it’s not time to start thinking about 2025. It just means Darnold will have to play a lot better.