The Vikings’ defense took a significant hit this week, as head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. Greenard had been gutting it out through the injury, but after aggravating it during Sunday night’s game, the decision was made to shut him down and begin the recovery process early - a move that makes sense with Minnesota officially out of playoff contention.
Greenard’s absence will be felt. In his first season with the Vikings, the 28-year-old made an immediate impact, showcasing the kind of disruptive presence the team hoped for when they signed him to a four-year, $76 million deal in free agency. In 12 games this year, Greenard tallied 38 total tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and three pass breakups - a stat line that speaks to his versatility as both a pass rusher and run defender.
This isn’t just about numbers, though. Greenard brought juice off the edge and helped set the tone for a Vikings front seven that had been trying to find its identity.
His ability to collapse pockets and disrupt timing was a key piece of Minnesota’s defensive puzzle. Losing that kind of presence - especially one who was just starting to settle into a new system - is a tough blow, even in a season that’s already winding down.
The former third-round pick out of Florida - by way of Louisville - earned first-team All-SEC honors in college before being drafted by the Texans back in 2020. He played out his rookie contract in Houston before cashing in with Minnesota, and this season was shaping up to be a strong first chapter in his new home.
Greenard will now shift his focus to rehab, with the goal of returning fully healthy for the 2026 season. The Vikings, meanwhile, will have to look to their depth chart to fill the void down the stretch. With Greenard heading to injured reserve, it opens the door for younger players to get meaningful reps - but make no mistake, replacing his production and leadership won’t be easy.
For a team already looking ahead to next year, this is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. Greenard’s season may be over, but his impact on the Vikings’ defense this year was real - and his return in 2026 will be one to watch.