Injuries Bit the Vikings Again in Week 9
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings earned an incredible comeback victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, using Joshua Dobbs’ arm (and legs) to win 31-28.
However, injuries once again were a big story in the aftermath of that game with multiple playmakers on offense going down throughout the afternoon.
Here is a quick look at some of the Vikings who left because of injury, and what their status looks like in the aftermath of the win.
RB Cam Akers
Cam Akers was ruled out of the game during the second half because of an ankle injury, and following the game, Kevin O’Connell stated during his press conference that the fear is that Akers suffered an Achilles injury in Atlanta.
Minnesota acquired Akers via trade following their Week 2 loss against the Eagles, and since then, he has been a bit of a boon to their rushing attack. He has totaled 30 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown over his five games in Minnesota while also adding 8 receptions for an additional 57 yards.
If it is indeed an Achilles tear for Akers, it will be his second such injury over his four-year NFL career. It is never easy to come back from that injury, but hopefully, he is able to make a recovery and come back strong for next season.
QB Jaren Hall
Jaren Hall got his first NFL start on Sunday, and overall, he was sublime while in the game. The rookie looked the part of a starting QB by completing five of his six passes for 78 yards, including a 47-yard dot to Alexander Mattison on the sideline.
However, his game was cut short because of a concussion during Minnesota’s first red zone drive of the day. On a scramble as he ran towards the goal line, he sustained a hit to the head and immediately came out. Joshua Dobbs came in to play QB the rest of the way and earned a comeback win, but hopefully, Hall is able to heal up over the course of the week.
WR K.J. Osborn
K.J. Osborn also left Sunday’s game with a concussion suffered on a first half reception. It is very lucky that it is all he suffered considering how scary the hit was in the moment. He was able to get up and onto a cart after a couple minutes, though, and gave a thumbs up to the crowd as he rode off the field.
To that point in the game, Osborn had caught a pair of passes for 17 yards, and in the absence of Justin Jefferson, he has stepped up for the offense. Now, Jefferson is eligible to return for Week 10 against the Saints. Hopefully Osborn is able to get healthy over the course of the week and give Minnesota’s starting QB (whether it be Dobbs or Hall) a full recipe of receivers.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.