RT Phil Loadholt Will Not Play Thursday

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt (71) against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

During Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt was forced to leave the game due to an injury.  Later, it was discovered that Loadholt had suffered a concussion.

Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Phil Loadholt (71) prepares for a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The road grader right tackle hasn’t missed a game due to injury since his rookie campaign with the Vikings.  Sadly, this injury will end a 25 game streak by the Vikings of starting the same five offensive linemen. But Loadholt isn’t the only one on the offensive line that is hurting.  Left guard Charlie Johnson is in danger of missing the game as well.  He is currently working through an elbow injury that could force him out of the game and cause Joe Berger to get the start in his place.

"”Phil is a vital part of our offensive line, one of our top players,” Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said. ”But that’s one of the reasons we signed J’Marcus. … He’ll go in and he’ll play well. He’s familiar with our system now. It’s a great opportunity for him.”"

Last week, Loadholt’s replacement struggled right off the bat.  J’Marcus Webb got beat on a play that caused Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder to fumble the football and resulted in a Cowboys touchdown.  Webb will have to play much better than that in order to keep the Vikings competitive in this game.