On Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings started training camp ahead of the 2024 season. Shortly after that, they had already suffered their first season-ending injury of the year.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon went down early in practice and was down for a while. It turns out it was due to a torn ACL. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported and confirmed the injury.
#Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon suffered a torn ACL in the first practice of training camp today, per source.
Tough blow for Minnesota and Blackmon, who played in 15 games (three starts) as a rookie last season. pic.twitter.com/YWxMVdRapD
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 25, 2024
Blackmon was expected to be one of the Vikings’ starters in their already thin cornerback room. He had a great coverage grade of 71.8 from PFF, and the second-year defender was expected to build upon it. Now, with his injury, the team is going to be relying upon free agent signee Duke Shelley and UDFA signee Dwight McGlothern more than they expected.
Blackmon took to social media to let everyone know he was okay and that it “God got me.”
While Blackmon rehabs from his injuries, the team will be expected to sign or acquire someone to strengthen the defensive back group. No matter who they potentially bring in, missing out on Blackmon’s development in year two will set the defense back at least a year.
He found a lot of success with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, perhaps year three they can build momentum once again.