There’s a Stephon Gilmore Injury Update
The Minnesota Vikings entered training camp with some massive concerns at the cornerback position, especially after Khyree Jackson’s tragic accident. Sophomore Mekhi Blackmon suffered a season-ending knee injury on day one of camp, worsening the troubles in terms of numbers and quality of cornerbacks.
There’s a Stephon Gilmore Injury Update
Because the Vikings viewed the position as a concern, they acquired veteran free agent Stephon Gilmore. The former Defensive Player of the Year is no longer in his prime but was still effective in the last few seasons. He joined Byron Murphy in the starting lineup.
On Sunday, however, Gilmore left the contest with a hamstring injury, and the Vikings had to rely on backup Fabian Moreau for the remainder of the game. The difference between the two experienced players was visible. Hamstring issues can be tough to overcome.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the injury situation on Monday, and the news was quite positive.
“Gilly did get a low-grade kind of hamstring that caused him to not return,” O’Connell said. “Still getting some evaluations on what that looks like. I do not believe it is a longer-term injury, and I’m not quite ready to rule him out for this week, want to see how he feels as we work through it.”
The fact that he didn’t rule out his starting cornerback is a good sign. He might be forced to sit out Kirk Cousins’ return to U.S. Bank Stadium, but it doesn’t seem to be a long-term injury.
Gilmore is 34 years old, which is considered ancient by cornerback standards. Regardless, he has played well throughout his 13th season in the NFL. He entered the league as the tenth overall pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2012.
After five seasons, his journey continued in New England for four campaigns. The five-time Pro Bowler then spent one season each in Carolina, Indianapolis, and Dallas before heading north prior to the 2024 season.
In 12 games with the Vikings, Gilmore has tabulated 47 tackles and one interception. That forced turnover clinched the game in London against the New York Jets, boosting the team’s record to 5-0 at the time. He has played 85% of the defensive reps (678).
Gilmore is PFF’s 49th-ranked (of 113) cornerback with a grade of 66.6. He ranks 7th in run defense.
If Gilmore is forced to sit out a game, the Vikings would turn to Shaq Griffin for the starting role. Moreau would likely enter the game in sets that require a third cornerback. Perhaps rookie Dwight McGlothern would make his NFL debut.
The Vikings recently waived 2022 draft choice Akayleb Evans, who was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers. He was inactive in Carolina’s divisional battle against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gilmore signed a one-year contract worth up to $10 million. So far, he has been well worth that investment, and the Vikings need him to run Brian Flores’ defense. It remains to be seen if he can recover in time for Sunday’s bout with Cousins.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Focus, Over the Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt