The Minnesota Vikings got the kind of news they were dreading after Jamal Adams went down in the 13-10 preseason win over the New York Giants.
Adams suffered a non-contact knee injury and was carted off the field, and the scene alone made it clear this was serious. Kevin O’Connell said after halftime that he didn’t know exactly how bad it was, but he admitted it didn’t look good.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapopor t later confirmed the worst-case outcome, reporting that Adams has a season-ending knee injury. That officially ends his season after he recorded one tackle and one tackle for loss in the preseason win.
It’s a crushing turn for Minnesota, which had planned on Adams being a major piece of Brian Flores’ defense. Reports out of Adams’ first training camp with the Vikings had painted a positive picture, and he appeared set for a significant role at safety, with a starting job possibly in play.
Now the Vikings have to sort out the safety spot with the second half of August approaching. Joshua Metellus and Theo Jackson have been projected as starters, while Jay Ward and Jakobe Thomas are also trying to push their way into the mix.
Adams’ injury could also push Minnesota to explore outside options. A reunion with Vikings legend Harrison Smith feels more inevitable than ever, especially with O’Connell having said over the past few months that the two had discussed Smith’s future.
For Adams, it’s a brutal setback to what looked like it could be a strong bounce-back year. For the Vikings, it means the board has to be wiped clean at safety.
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