Vikings running back to miss entire 2017 season with a torn ACL
By Adam Patrick
Running back Bishop Sankey was hoping to land a spot on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster this season, but a knee injury will prevent that from happening.
With both Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon both out of action for the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason game on Thursday against the Buffalo Bills, the team had to rely on their lesser experienced running backs to lead their rushing attack in Buffalo.
Bishop Sankey was one of those players that got a little more action on Thursday thanks to the absences of Murray and McKinnon. The fourth-year running back did okay with his increased opportunities against the Bills, finishing the night with 29 total yards on eight touches.
Unfortunately, his time on the field ended sooner than he would have liked as the running back went down with a knee injury during the Vikings’ first offensive drive of the second half.
#Vikings RB Bishop Sankey suffered what looked like a nasty knee injury at the end of a 14-yard run. Carried off by trainers.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) August 11, 2017
Sankey underwent an MRI for his knee on Friday and the results were not what the running back was hoping for. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the test revealed a torn ACL and Sankey will be out of action for the entire 2017 season.
Source: The 2017 season is over #Vikings RB Bishop Sankey. An MRI revealed he has a torn ACL. Was hoping to find his place...
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 11, 2017
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The news is a tough blow for a guy who has been struggling to make it in the NFL since getting drafted in the second round by the Tennessee Titans back in 2014.
Luckily for Minnesota, Sankey was not expected to be a part of any of their plans on offense for 2017 and likely would have been cut from the team prior to the upcoming regular season anyways.
The running back could remain with the Vikings this year if the team opts to place him on Injured Reserve. If not, Minnesota would likely have to agree on an injury settlement with Sankey prior to the team releasing him.
Next: Vikings' game grades vs. Bills
The Vikings should just be thankful that their first player to be lost for the entire 2017 season is not a member of the offensive line.