This season, the Minnesota Vikings have suffered a number of significant injuries, including standout receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback Kirk Cousins.
As Minnesota struggles to stay in the postseason picture, injuries continue to accumulate.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson and linebacker D.J. Wonnum will miss the rest of the season, according to coach Kevin O’Connell.
In Sunday’s 30-24 loss to Detroit, Hockenson tore the MCL and ACL in his knee after a defender dived at his knees on a tackle. Wonnum suffered a non-contact quadriceps tear.
“I was crushed for both of them. “They’re two of our most important players and leaders on the team,” O’Connell added. “Two guys that will be difficult to overcome their loss.”
Minnesota (7-8) has now lost four of five games and is out of postseason contention after Sunday’s setback, in which Nick Mullens, the team’s fourth quarterback, threw four interceptions. To make the playoffs, the Vikings must win their final two games and receive assistance from either the Los Angeles Rams or the Seattle Seahawks.
That endeavor will be made more difficult by the loss of Hockenson and Wonnum. Both players, according to O’Connell, will be placed on injured reserve.
This season, Hockenson leads the club with 95 catches and 960 receiving yards, as well as five touchdowns. Wonnum leads the squad with eight sacks. He’s has 15 QB hits and seven sacks.
Last season, Minnesota won the NFC North while avoiding serious injuries to key players.
“It’s been different,” remarked O’Connell. “You can say ‘next man up’ as much as you want.” You can discuss that mindset. We live by that philosophy because we like to prepare all of our soldiers. We may lose some of our most impactful guys, but we must continue to go out there and win football games. And that’s essentially what this entire year has been about.”
Injured
wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder) also missed Sunday’s game. O’Connell stated that both are feeling better and are taking things day by day to begin the week of practice. O’Connell also stated that he expects RT Brian O’Neill to return this week. O’Neill has been out the last two games due to an ankle injury.
