Phil Loadholt: Vikings RT reportedly has torn Achilles tendon

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Ian Rapoport reports that Vikings RT Phil Loadholt has a torn Achilles tendon.

Loadholt injured himself on the second play of Saturday night’s preseason game vs. Tampa Bay and was replaced by rookie T.J. Clemmings.

It wasn’t immediately apparent what happened to Loadholt but he was able to leave the field under his own power.

Loadholt is reportedly out for the season (via Minneapolis Star-Tribune):

"Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt injured his leg on the team’s first possession tonight and will not return to the game. A league source confirmed that the preliminary diagnosis was that Loadholt suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon."

After the game Vikings coach Mike Zimmer addressed the injury and was not ready to totally confirm the diagnosis of a torn Achilles. Zimmer said Loadholt would likely have an MRI on Sunday.

The coach said he thought rookie RT T.J. Clemmings “did well” in place of Loadholt.

Vikings LG Brandon Fusco spoke after the game about losing Loadholt:

"“He worked his tail off getting back here to be a hundred percent, but that’s the game of football,” Fusco said of his close friend. “Stuff happens, freak accidents, and it’s unfortunate. He’s a hard-working guy and he cares so much about the game of football, and he’s a big-time locker room guy. It’s a big loss.”"

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