The season has come to an early end for Jamal Adams.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Minnesota Vikings linebacker, who had to be taken off on a cart during Saturday’s exhibition opener, has sustained a knee injury that will sideline him for the rest of the year. While the precise details of his knee damage remain undisclosed, Adams is sidelined and cannot return to action until the 2027 season.
Participating in just 11 plays during the Vikings’ 13-10 victory against the New York Giants, Adams suffered a non-contact mishap. The injury occurred in the second quarter as he attempted to break up a 15-yard scoring throw from Jaxson Dart to Malachi Fields. After collapsing on the turf, the defender required a cart to leave the gridiron.
“You can sense his drive on a daily basis. I definitely did, and got to talk with him briefly before he went to the locker room,” stated Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shortly after halftime of the exhibition matchup. “It is absolutely devastating for him. Especially considering the spot he was carving out on this team, alongside the character, background, and grit he displayed in his brief time here. His presence will be sorely missed.”
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Minnesota finalized a contract with Adams just prior to the start of training camp last month. He previously suited up for 17 matchups with the Las Vegas Raiders last year, racking up a sack and 45 combined tackles.
Originally drafted out of LSU by the New York Jets as the sixth overall selection in 2017, Adams remained with the franchise for three years before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 2020 season. Though he has earned three Pro Bowl nods, health issues have plagued the latter part of his career, limiting him to under nine appearances per year across three consecutive seasons prior to his stint with the Raiders.
Finishing with a 9-8 record, Minnesota fell short of the postseason last year during O’Connell’s fourth year at the helm. Their upcoming regular season campaign is set to kick off on September 13 when they face the Green Bay Packers.
