Going into Sunday's contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Minnesota Vikings were dealing with starting rookie left guard Donovan Jackson not playing in the game due to injury. It only got worse as the game rolled on.
The biggest injury occurred when starting right tackle Brian O'Neill was hurt while blocking on a Vikings field goal, as he left the game in the first half. O'Neill would not return to the game with the leg injury, with more bad news coming in for Minnesota regarding his condition.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday night that O'Neill is dealing with an MCL sprain. The good news is that he's not expected to miss the entire season and will not require surgery. He is being listed as "week-to-week," usually an indication that someone could miss a short period.
The Minnesota Vikings are facing a massive problem without Brian O'Neill potentially on the offensive line
This is a crushing blow for the Vikings' offensive line that also saw Ryan Kelly knocked out of the 24-21 loss to the Steelers with a concussion. O'Neill is such a key piece to the unit, as he would be considered one of the best on the line.
Pro Football Focus has given O'Neill an overall grade of 75.1, ranking 11th out of 105 eligible tackles in the NFL. He has allowed just three pressures, one sack, and committed one penalty on the season through four games.
Minnesota's offensive line struggled mightily without O'Neill in the game, with quarterback Carson Wentz not having much time in the pocket. How bad did it get? The Steelers were credited with 14 quarterback hits and six sacks on the Vikings. Yeah, Wentz will be feeling those hits this week in London.
It's not going to get any easier for the Vikings' offensive line as they are set for their Week 5 showdown with the Cleveland Browns. They happen to have one of the best pass rushers in NFL history with Myles Garrett on the other side. A tough challenge for any tackle to handle.
If O'Neill is indeed not going to play, that would leave Justin Skule replacing him at right tackle as he did on Sunday. Skule struggled to handle Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt off the edge and allowed multiple pressures.
The loss of O'Neill could be catastrophic if they are unable to get the running game going or establish the quick pass game. It'll be a good test for the Vikings as they try to get over .500 before entering their bye week.