Minnesota Vikings lose critical piece to Brian Flores’ defense, opening up snaps for emerging star to continue developing
Jonathan Greenard is out for the season with a shoulder injury, which will open up significant snaps for Dallas Turner.
The Minnesota Vikings are riding high after a 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Many will view the game as a coming-out party for quarterback J.J. McCarthy. However, the game had its fair share of issues, too, including injuries.
After re-aggravating his shoulder injury on Sunday night, head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters on Monday afternoon that edge rusher Jonathan Greenard would miss the rest of the season and have surgery on his injured shoulder.
“Jonathan Greenard aggravated that shoulder, and we think it’s best to go ahead and get that thing fixed so he’ll have surgery in the near future, and start that process of rehab,” said O’Connell.
Jonathan Greenard to miss rest of 2025 season with shoulder injury
O’Connell didn’t stop when it came to talking about Greenard.
“I just want to say, as a captain and a leader on our team, he’s had a huge impact both on the field, and I thought he played one of his best games yesterday, before he aggravated the shoulder,” said O’Connell. “But what he’s meant to our team and me and what we’re able to do as a football team, specifically over these last two weeks. JG, his leadership, and his commitment to being a foundational player for us as a football team. I’m just so proud of him, and I know he’ll get that thing fixed up, and be ready to rock and roll.”
It’s a tough loss for the Vikings not to have Greenard, as he’s the best player on their defense. He tallied seven pressures and was credited with two sacks by Pro Football Focus before getting hurt. He was explosive on Sunday night, but diving for Dak Prescott caused his shoulder to get re-injured.
With Greenard out for the year, that will mean more snaps for Dallas Turner in Brian Flores’ defense. Turner has thrived in multiple ways this season, including rushing the passer in the Greenard role. He has 5.5 sacks and 32 pressures, while also dropping into coverage regularly.
The most improved aspect of Turner’s play this year has been his baseline. He is much stronger at the point of attack than last season, and his pass rush repertoire is improved, but not perfect. Turner has mastered the bull rush and done a great job of peeling off blockers to get the quarterback down.
This is the time for Turner to take the next step, and he’s got three good offensive lines to deal with.
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