The Minnesota Vikings will be without star edge rusher Jonathan Greenard for the remainder of the season due to a recurring shoulder injury. Greenard sustained the injury during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday night and will undergo surgery to address the issue.
This injury is not new for Greenard, who has battled shoulder pain throughout the season. He previously missed games against the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers but returned to play despite discomfort. His determination to compete did not go unnoticed by Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who praised Greenard’s resilience and leadership. “He was not going to be denied when he got his strength and got what he needed to be cleared to play,” O’Connell stated. “He knew he would not be able to put this behind him until probably he could get it fixed whenever that was going to be.”
In what would be his final appearance of the season, Greenard delivered an impressive performance in the Vikings’ 34-26 victory over the Cowboys. He consistently pressured veteran quarterback Dak Prescott, recording one sack during the game. His outstanding effort earned him a grade of 90.5 from Pro Football Focus, highlighting his disruptive presence on the field. For the season, Greenard accumulated 38 tackles, 3 sacks, and 12 quarterback hits over 12 games.
O’Connell expressed pride in Greenard’s contributions, emphasizing his potential for recovery. “I’m just so proud of him,” the coach remarked. “I know he’ll get it fixed and be ready to rock and roll.”
With Greenard sidelined, young edge rusher Dallas Turner will likely see increased playing time, which could be crucial for his development as the Vikings continue their campaign. The organization is now looking to harness Turner’s potential in Greenard’s absence, hoping to maintain their competitive edge during the remainder of the season.
As the Vikings navigate this setback, they remain focused on their goals while supporting Greenard through his recovery process.
