Preseason football is here, and with that comes some good things and some bad things. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Houston Texans on Saturday, but this win also came with a disappointing loss.
During the 20-10 Vikings victory, there were plenty of plays that opened the eyes of fans and had them cheering, but there were also some moments that were hard to watch or frustrating to see happen.
The injury to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore suffered in the first preseason game is serious and he is expected to miss the entire 2025 NFL season.
The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Rondale Moore to a one-year deal worth $2 million this offseason. The former Cardinals pass catcher and return specialist suffered an injury to his right knee last season.
On Saturday, it was an injury to his left leg on a return that caused him to be carted off the field. Head coach Kevin O'Connell called the injury "heartbreaking" and "pretty significant," leading fans to expect the worst.
On Sunday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared updates on X for three players who sustained injuries in Week 1 of the preseason. In the tweet, Rapoport didn't specify what the injury to Moore's knee is, but did mention that it will likely end his season.
A few major injuries from preseason Week 1:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 10, 2025
— #Commanders OT Lucas Niang tore his ACL in Friday's preseason loss to the #Patriots.
— #Vikings WR Rondale Moore suffered a significant knee injury, likely ending his season.
— #Broncos DE Matt Henningsen is out for the year with a…
This is a crushing blow for Moore, who was in line to see some serious playing time in 2025 due to a three-game suspension for Jordan Addison. Instead, the 25-year-old receiver will spend this season recovering and preparing for 2026.
For the Vikings, Minnesota will now need another pass catcher to step up in the first three games of the season. That responsibility will likely land on rookie Tai Felton, Jalen Nailor, or another receiver who steps up during preseason and training camp.
A speedy player who could have been an interesting addition to Minnesota's offense in 2025, Moore was likely to get work as a receiver as well as on special teams as a return specialist, but now head coach Kevin O'Connell will need to adjust his plans.
Minnesota Vikings fans who were excited to see Rondale Moore bring his speed and athleticism to the team have to be frustrated that his season ended this way. Hopefully, this isn't the last the purple and gold have seen of the young wide receiver, and he can make a full recovery.