The Minnesota Vikings’ training camp has officially begun, with the first practice session taking place on Wednesday. Media members observed the drills after the remaining players joined the rookies and early arrivals at the TCO Performance Center. The entire squad is gearing up for the regular season opener on September 8.
Among the highlights shared on social media, the most significant news from Eagan, Minnesota, on Wednesday was an injury. Second-year cornerback Mekhi Blackmon suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
Alec Lewis from The Athletic reported during practice that Blackmon limped back to the locker room after being down for a while, indicating that it did not look promising. Shortly after, Lewis confirmed that it was indeed a knee injury.
Blackmon’s injury occurred during a seven-on-seven drill, where he remained on the ground for several minutes while medical personnel attended to him. A few hours later, Tom Pelissero reported that Blackmon had torn his ACL, marking a tough setback for both him and the Vikings.
Blackmon had a promising rookie season, playing in 15 games with three starts and earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 71.8, the highest among the team’s cornerbacks and second among all rookie cornerbacks.
The loss of Blackmon is a major blow for the Vikings, as he showed considerable potential last season. Despite some struggles, particularly against taller receivers like Tee Higgins and Courtland Sutton, Blackmon demonstrated overall positive play. His absence will leave a significant gap in the secondary, adding to the team’s challenges following Khyree Jackson’s recent accident.
The Vikings now have eight cornerbacks on the roster, including projected starters Byron Murphy and Shaquill Griffin, as well as Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth, who are now likely to secure roster spots.
The recent signing of Duke Shelley has gained additional importance, and the team might consider bringing in veteran cornerbacks like Xavien Howard or Stephon Gilmore, who have connections with defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Blackmon will join tight end T.J. Hockenson and special teamer NaJee Thompson on the PUP list, missing the start of the season.
