Just days into training camp, the Vikings have already suffered a significant blow to their secondary.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon injured his knee during the team’s first training camp practice on Wednesday, and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the second-year defensive back suffered a torn ACL.
According to ESPN, Blackmon injured himself during 7-on-7 drills and limped back into the Vikings facility with medical officials.
It’s a significant blow to a Minnesota passing defense that was already among the league’s worst last year after ranking dead last in the NFL in completion percentage allowed (70.3) and yielded the ninth-most passing yards (3,986) in the league.
The 25-year-old Blackmon was a bright spot during his rookie season out of USC, playing in 15 games and starting in three.
He recorded 41 tackles (three for a loss) along with one interception and one fumble recovery.
He also recorded eight passes defended during his first year.
For his efforts, Pro Football Focus graded him out at 71.8 overall.
This came after a solid college career at Colorado and USC, as he earned First Team All-Pac 12 honors during his lone season with the Trojans.
Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., NaJee Thompson and Byron Murphy Jr. are the other corners on Minnesota’s roster.