3 Vikings Defenders Scheduled For MRIs
By Adam Carlson
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) during the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings may have lost the game to the Panthers, but they also may have lost some important parts of the defense. Three major Vikings players suffered injuries in the game which could range from mild to severe depending on the results of an MRI on Monday.
The three injured players in need of an MRI are:
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) looks on during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Rhodes – Rhodes suffered an ankle injury in the game that left him in severe pain. Although he has played mostly in nickel defenses, his presence has helped the team a lot. Rhodes was a first round draft pick for the Vikings this year and has been off to a good start so far this year. As noticed earlier in the season, the team’s depth at cornerback is weak and replacing anyone, especially someone who is playing well, will be difficult.
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) on a pass in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison Smith – Turf toe put Smith out of the game today. For those that don’t know, turf toe is an injury to the connective tissue between the foot and one of the toes. That injury can make putting weight on your foot painful and make walking or running agonizing. Hopefully the MRI comes back negative and Smith doesn’t miss much time, because he has been the best player in the Vikings secondary this year.
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Desmond Bishop (59) is injured during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Desmond Bishop – Perhaps the most devastating injury of the three was Bishop’s. The linebacker injured the the same leg that he spent all off the offseason and most of the regular season last year rehabilitating. He had just worked his way into the Vikings starting lineup this week and now is in serious jeopardy of missing the remainder of the season depending on the MRI results.
Vikings fans will have to wait until later on Monday to hear the results of these medical tests. Hopefully, none of the injuries are severe and the team will be able to move forward without them missing much time.