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Vikings get brutal injury news on talented left guard Donovan Jackson
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- Vikings get brutal injury news on talented left guard Donovan Jackson
Vikings starting left guard and 2025 first-round pick Donovan Jackson suffered a torn meniscus in Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Kevin O'Connell revealed on Monday. He'll undergo surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.
"Unfortunately Donovan Jackson does have a meniscus tear that will require surgery and likely end his regular season, based upon the timeline," O'Connell said. "Does indeed look like an injured reserve situation. Very unfortunate.
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"Donny's gotten off to a great start this year. Unbelievable offseason, ascending player. Temporary setback for him. Very excited about Donovan Jackson the player, and we'll support him and love him up. He'll still be a big part of that O-line room and the culture here as we move forward."
Jackson suffered the injury on a play early in the first quarter where he was called for a holding penalty. On the replay, you can see him instantly sense something was wrong and call for medical assistance while limping to the sideline. He was evaluated and somewhat quickly ruled out for the rest of the game, which is always concerning.
Jackson, the 24th overall pick out of Ohio State in last year's draft, made his 18th career start on Sunday. The Vikings are very excited about the 23-year-old's talent and potential. His ascension will now be put on hold until 2027.
Minnesota's backup at left guard is second-year undrafted free agent Joe Huber, who stepped in and played 71 offensive snaps on Sunday. He mostly looked like a backup, committing two false starts and allowing two pressures while earning a below-average PFF grade.
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"It's gonna be a challenge," O'Connell said. "I think (Jackson) was playing really good football. I thought Joe stepped in, Joe's a good young player that we've been really excited about since we first brought him on. He's been able to be versatile to have a gameday role at three spots. It happened to be left guard yesterday. Thought he had some really good snaps. He's physical, he's a smart player."
Huber is now in line to be the Vikings' starter at left guard moving forward. If he struggles, other in-house options the Vikings could theoretically consider include Trevor Keegan, Michael Jurgens, and Caleb Tiernan. They could also look to the free agent or trade market for outside help, if needed.
In other injury news, Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw is in the concussion protocol, so his status for next week's game against the Saints is unclear.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Vikings section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
