The Minnesota Vikings’ chaotic offseason doesn’t stop, as the injury bug hits them hard right at the start of their training camp. The latest development is with Mekhi Blackmon, who now will likely be out this upcoming season with a torn ACL. The former third-round pick out of USC suffered a potential season-ending injury in their training camp practice today, as their cornerback options are becoming limited. The 25-year-old could’ve been an impact playmaker on defense for Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores in year two.
Mekhi Blackmon Suffers Torn ACL in Training Camp
According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Minnesota Vikings Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon suffered a brutal injury that will likely end his season. That is a big blow to a team that hasn’t been short of off-season problems and could struggle early after transitioning from a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins to a rookie quarterback like J.J. McCarthy.
The 25-year-old started three games in his rookie season last year and played 15 games, recording an interception and eight pass deflections in 2023. The former third-round pick from USC was and still is an undersized defensive back, but made up for it with his instincts. Blackmon was a projected starter most likely heading into his second season and showed flashes in limited starts.
The young corner had his first NFL interception against the New Orleans Saints in their Week 10 win. Coming out of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings needed a corner in the secondary and were able to draft him 102nd overall. He became one of the better starting potential players to come out at the position.
Minnesota Vikings Need to Add a Cornerback in Free Agency
After the sad tragedy with Khyree Jackson and this recent news with Blackmon, the Vikings should add a cornerback in free agency to pair with Byron Murphy Jr. While they did sign Shaquill Griffin this offseason, the journeyman was on several teams last year and didn’t pan out for the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers.
His stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 only lasted two seasons, as the 29-year-old had multiple injuries over the past three years. For now, the veteran corner will be the projected starter, along with young but unproven players, like former fourth-rounder Akayleb Evans and former second-rounder Andrew Booth Jr.
They could showcase their talent in 2024, to compete in the tough NFC North but ultimately, Minnesota might need another veteran presence. The two that are still free agents that the Vikings could potentially target include Stephon Gilmore and Adoree’ Jackson. Just a day ago, the Minnesota Vikings did extend their top tackle Christian Darrisaw so it’s fair to wonder what their plans are for this year.
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