MN Vikings Wide Receiver Went Under the Knife
The big news on Wednesday morning was the acquisition of Adam Thielen . Minnesota’s own is headed back to the Vikings presumably to finish his career. Although he’s in the final year of his contract, the sides are working on an extension.
Of course he was a necessary addition because Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games. Jalen Nailor, slated to operate as WR3, has been injured . On Wednesday it was revealed that there’s more to that malady as well.
Jalen Nailor has surgery ahead of Minnesota Vikings season
During joint practices with the New England Patriots Jalen Nailor was on the field for the Vikings in a red no-contact jersey . He suffered a hand injury and has been out of action. Darren “Doogie” Wolfson shared an update on Skor North’s Purple Daily .
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“Did Jalen Nailor undergo surgery on the left hand? I can tell you, there was a procedure done with the idea to be back for Week 1. I think, when the injury report comes out (Saturday September 6th) two days prior to the Monday night opener…I would imagine Jalen Nailor is listed as questionable. Now, if he can ramp things up in practice a day or two prior, maybe probable. I’m just thinking wide receiver, hand, that’s a tricky injury. The idea is, when you undergo a procedure to get back sooner, if he just lets it heal, he absolutely misses Week 1. There is this idea that Nailor is doing well, right now, with the hope to play Week 1 in Chicago.”
Whether Nailor is ready to rock for the regular season or not, this procedure sure be worrisome. The third wideout last season already had issues with drops, and something surgical taking place with his hand isn’t necessarily going to make that easier.
While Wolfson suggested that he thinks Nailor could be ready for Week 1, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis is still up in the air about that being a possibility.
“What they did not plan for is Jalen Nailor jamming his left hand in the second day of joint practices. Now, you ask, will Jalen be back for the first game? To me, I’m not totally sure one way or another. I wouldn’t go strong on it one way or another from what I’ve heard. If you don’t have him for Week 1, it places even more importance on the need for additional depth in the spot.”
This is the final year of Nailor’s rookie contract, and he’s only played 38 games during the first three years largely due to time missed because of injury. Operating as a starter for the first time last season, he recorded just 28 receptions for 414 yards.
MN Vikings need more than just Jalen Nailor
Minnesota brought in Thielen because of the depth lacking at the wide receiver position. That addresses things at the top, but it doesn’t really solve the entire problem. Both Tim Jones and Myles Price are still on the 53-man roster with avenues towards a level of realistic playing time.
Related: MN Vikings Finally Complete Adam Thielen Trade… and it Wasn’t Cheap
On Tuesday’s roster cutdown day , the Washington Commanders parted ways with K.J. Osborn . Minnesota knows him well too, and he was more productive in the same role than Nailor has been. Injury or not, that seems like a pretty straightforward upgrade if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wants to make it.
We’ll have to see how Nailor returns from the injury and surgical procedure. It wouldn’t be a shock if he leaves something to be desired though. Minnesota kicks off the regular season on September 8th on Monday Night Football .
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