Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon suffered an ACL tear during a drill in the team’s first training camp practice on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the injury.
The person, who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press because the team had not officially announced the diagnosis, described it as a significant setback for a position group that was already a concern.
Blackmon, entering his second year after being drafted from Southern California, had shown potential last season, playing in 15 games and contributing one interception, one fumble recovery, and eight passes defended.
He was injured during a 7-on-7 passing drill and received medical attention on the sideline before being escorted slowly to the training room for further evaluation.
The Vikings are also mourning the recent death of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who died in a car accident along with two friends. Coaches will attend Jackson’s funeral on Friday. Meanwhile, the team has Byron Murphy Jr. and veteran Shaq Griffin anchoring the cornerback positions, but the absence of Blackmon and Jackson leaves the group vulnerable.
To bolster depth, the Vikings signed Duke Shelley on Tuesday, adding experience alongside returning player Akayleb Evans. Andrew Booth Jr., another option from the 2022 draft class, is also aiming to prove his ability to contribute consistently, though he has faced health challenges.
