EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings star left tackle Christian Darrisaw will need surgery on his knee and miss the rest of the season, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Friday.

The fourth-year pro suffered a knee injury Thursday night just before halftime in Minnesota's 30-20 loss at the Los Angeles Rams. Darrisaw was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve Friday as the Vikings activated tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list.

Ever an optimist, O'Connell was "holding out hope last night that maybe the imaging would feel a less significant injury, but unfortunately, that is not the case."

"He did sustain a significant injury to his left knee, and it will require season-ending surgery," O'Connell added after an MRI revealed ACL and MCL damage. "We will determine the best course of action in regards to the procedure that will repair the injury, and I know C.D. will be right back where he where he was this year, which is one of the best left tackles in football playing at a really high level.

"I love everything about the progression of his career up until this moment, and he's got great folks around him, both teammates and our medical staff that will spearhead an effort to get C.D. back with us as soon as possible," O'Connell continued. "But for right now, I'm just really thinking about Christian. He really developed into one of our core leaders ... one of our offensive pillars that we have leaned on a lot. And it's going to be a significant loss, but we've all got to do a little bit more."

Darrisaw was hit from behind while blocking on a run play from the Minnesota 3-yard line with less than a minute remaining in the second quarter. Rams DB Jaylen McCollough came unblocked on a run blitz and dived at Vikings RB Aaron Jones, Sr. McCollough's momentum carried him into Darrisaw's left knee.

He did not return and was replaced by veteran David Quessenberry.

The 2021 first-round pick has started 46 of 48 games played and was having an elite season through the first seven games.

O'Connell said Darrisaw is in "good spirits."

"He's a mentally and physically tough guy," O'Connell said. "I have no doubts he's going to attack this, starting today, and he's still going to be a significant player in regards to his leadership and his presence within our building and around our team. For sure, he knows that. And like I said, I think he's got the mindset once this thing's fixed surgically, and he can start attacking something on a daily basis, I know he'll do that."

The Vikings (5-2) are scheduled to return to action on Nov. 3 when they host the Colts on Sunday Night Football.

In addition to rolling with Quessenberry, who has filled in at left tackle and right tackle for Minnesota, the Vikings have a couple of other options.

Rookie Walter Rouse is on the roster but has been inactive every week of the regular season.

"Walter had some real flashes, especially just the power he played with in the preseason, big, strong guy," O'Connell said. "He's very smart. He's on a great trajectory as far as his development goes."

Minnesota could also consider the potential of switching things up based on the anticipated return of Dalton Risner, who has played left guard his entire career but has been working at right guard while returning from Injured Reserve. Left guard Blake Brandel has prior experience at tackle.

O'Connell said the Vikings are having conversations for putting together the best combination of five players on the offensive line. Risner has not yet been activated.

"I think Dalton's going to play a role," O'Connell said. "We're lucky to have him, and I'm glad he's healthy and he's worked through it. [He's] definitely going to be part of the conversation."