A disappointing season for the Minnesota Vikings took an in-kind turn in Week 15, taking some of the luster off their win over the Dallas Cowboys. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell provided an update, confirming fears that emerged during the contest over Jonathan Greenard.
Greenard is in his second season with the Vikings.
He was an impact player right from the start, but will be sidelined for the rest of the season due to an injury.
Jonathan Greenard to Undergo Surgery on Injured Shoulder
GettyJonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
Greenard, a third-round pick by the Houston Texans in the 2020 draft, signed a four-year, $76 million contract with the Vikings in free agency during the 2024 offseason.
Shoulder issues cost him two games earlier in the season, and he aggravated the ailment.
“We think it’s best to go ahead and get that thing fixed,” O’Connell told reporters during his day-after press conference on December 15, “He’ll have surgery here at a – hopefully, in the near future, and start that process of rehab.”
Greenard, 28, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024 after a 12.0-sack season. His production was down this season, with 3.0 sacks in 12 games.
Greenard is one of eight Vikings team captains this season, one of three on defense.
Even without gaudy sack totals, Greenard’s presence helped the rest of the Vikings’ defense, particularly up front. He was also durable in his first season, starting all 17 games, as opposed to 10 starts in 2025.
The 2024 campaign was Greenard’s only in the NFL during which the former Texans pass rusher completed a full slate of regular-season games.
Vikings Will Miss Jonathan Greenard
GettyJonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before facing the Baltimore Ravens.
O’Connell made it crystal clear that Greenard’s absence will affect the Vikings outside of the white lines of the football field. The fourth-year head coach said Greenard has had a “huge impact” on the team.
“I thought he played one of his best games yesterday before aggravating that shoulder. But what he’s meant to me, and our team, and what we’re able to do as a football team–specifically, over these last two weeks–and his leadership, and his commitment to being kind of a foundational player for us as a football team, has been on full display,” O’Connell said.
“I’m just so proud of him. And I know he’ll get that thing fixed up, and be right.”
The Vikings still have Greenard’s bookend, Andrew Van Ginkel. He was a Pro Bowler and Second Team All-Pro in 2024. They need someone else to step up, though.
Jonathan Greenard’s Injury Good News for Dallas Turner
GettyDallas Turner #15 of the Minnesota Vikings in action against the Cleveland Browns.
Greenard’s injury is unfortunate for him and the Vikings, but it creates an opportunity for teammate Dallas Turner.
Turner was the No. 17 overall pick of the 2024 draft, whom the Vikings traded up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to select. Turner had a relatively quiet rookie season. He still managed 3.0 sacks in 16 games while playing in a rotation behind Greenard and Van Ginkel.
Turner has 5.5 sacks in 14 games this season.
Replacing Greenard will be a group effort for the Vikings, but the encouragement of Turner’s play beforehand softens the blow.
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