Vikings’ Summer from Hell Continues
The Minnesota Vikings regular season kicks off in 25 days, and the team’s fans will be glad the summer is over.
Vikings’ Summer from Hell Continues
Tragedy and turmoil have rocked the franchise after a spring of optimism with free agency and the draft. Until it’s restored, the summer has wiped away much enthusiasm surrounding the purple team, at least for now.
Here is a timeline of events.
Khyree Jackson Passes Away
Date: July 6th
Jackson passed away on July 6th in a Maryland car accident. The investigation into his death remains ongoing, and criminal charges could be filed against the driver who caused his death.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah found Jackson in Round 4 of April’s draft. The Oregon draftee had the swagger and skillset to succeed in the NFL. But now the season is a tribute to Jackson’s memory.
Vikings ownership stepped up to support Jackson’s family, paying $20,000 for his funeral, plus the entirety of his signing bonus. And Jackson’s jersey No. 31 will be unused this season, Vikings players will wear a “KJ” decal on their helmets, and Jackson’s locker will remain untouched in 2024.
Jordan Addison Arrested
Date: July 10th
Six days after Jackson’s passing, California Highway Patrol arrested Jordan Addison for suspicion of DUI after discovering the 22-year-old asleep in his Rolls Royce that blocked a lane of freeway traffic near Los Angeles International Airport.
The state of California charged Addison with suspicion of DUI, dispelling any fringe theories that suggested the ordeal was a medical emergency or misunderstanding. A suspension is likely around the bend.
“Whatever’s out there for me, whatever comes with it, I’ll own up to everything. I feel like anything that comes my way is meant to happen or is deserved,” Addison told reporters in July.
Addison will face the music in court on October 7th.
Mekhi Blackmon Tears ACL
Date: July 22
Twelve days after Addison’s arrest, second-year cornerback Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL on the first day of live activities at training camp. He will miss all of 2024.
Minnesota has about two weeks to finalize a 53-man depth chart, and with Blackmon + Jackson no longer factoring into the equation, all eyes will turn to Nahshon Wright, Akayleb Evans, and Dwight McGlothern — the other young corners on the 91-man roster.
In 2023, Blackmon balled out as one of the NFL’s best rookie cornerbacks. Folks will have to wait a year to see his second act.
T.J. Hockenson, NaJee Thompson to PUP
Date: July 22nd
While Hockenson to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list was widely accepted, it doesn’t help the early-season landscape of Vikings football. His recovery is progressing well, but he’s still likely to miss the start of the season, with an unknown return date.
On the same day, special teams ace NaJee Thompson joined Hockenson on the PUP, a transaction that fell out of the sky.
Shaquill Griffin Hurts Hamstring
Date: July 26th
Griffin, who is on tap to start for Minnesota in 2024, hurt his hamstring during training camp’s first week and is still battling back to game-ready action. Cornerback is one of the diciest spots on the current roster because of the aforementioned tragedies and injuries, so a healthy Griffin will be vital in the regular season.
For now, he’s missing preseason action — not ideal for a newcomer to the franchise.
J.J. McCarthy Tears Meniscus, Out for Season
Date: August 10th
Minnesota had about two weeks of tranquility, but then the first preseason game occurred, the Vikings won, and rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy tore his meniscus. He’ll miss the entire 2024 season.
McCarthy becomes the first 1st-Round quarterback in the Super Bowl era to miss a whole season due to injury.
Jordan Addison Carted Off at Joint Practices
Date: August 14th
On the same day that McCarthy was declared shelved for 2024, Addison was hurt in Cleveland at joint practices with the Browns, even needing a cart to depart the field. Fans reeled from the initial news, rightfully asserting that the franchise seemed and seems doomed or cursed.
Thankfully, sources tell VikingsTerritory that Addison’s injury is minor and affected his ankle. But that didn’t stop onlookers from fearing the worst for about two hours.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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