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Hercules Mata’afa tears ACL during Minnesota Vikings OTAs

By Adam Carlson

PULLMAN, WA - NOVEMBER 07: Mike Bercovici #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is sacked by Hercules Mata'afa #50 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Arizona State 38-24. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA - NOVEMBER 07: Mike Bercovici #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is sacked by Hercules Mata'afa #50 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Arizona State 38-24. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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A devastating ACL tear will put Minnesota Vikings undrafted free agent defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa on the shelf for the 2018 NFL season.

One of the most intriguing players for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2018 NFL season was set to be Hercules Mata’afa. The undrafted free agent was a productive pass rusher and talented defender at Washington State, but his season has come to an unexpected halt.

Numerous sources are reporting that the awesomely-named rookie suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a kickoff drill at organized team activities, ending his season before it really starts.

The injury was revealed on Twitter by NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline and confirmed by NFL Network and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero.

Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings /

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota was attempting to find ways to fit the young player into their team, giving him looks at linebacker as well as defensive tackle and special teams. Head coach Mike Zimmer always stresses being able to use the best talent possible on his defenses and it appeared as though Mata’afa was on track to make the team’s 53-man roster.

The news of his ACL tear is hugely disappointing considering the potential that will not be able to be developed. However, fans should expect Mata’afa to return next season, likely bulked up a bit for the move to being an NFL defensive lineman.

Although earning a roster spot on the defensive line instead of the linebacker grouping would have been a challenge for the undrafted free agent, the impressive tackler will not spend the 2018 NFL season on injured reserve.

The Vikings have not officially placed Hercules Mata’afa on injured reserve, but that transaction is expected to be announced by the franchise as soon as well as a signing to fill the spot on the team’s roster.

Next: Ranking the Vikings' 2018 draft picks

Hopefully, Hercules Mata’afa will return next year ready to be a disruptive force in the Minnesota Vikings defense after a full recovery from his ACL tear and help to make the team one of the most feared unit in the NFL.

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