Just a few days into training camp, the Vikings secondary has already taken a big hit.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon injured his knee during the team’s first training camp practice on Wednesday, with NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reporting the second-year defensive back suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
According to ESPN:Blackmon sustained the injury during a 7-on-7 drill and limped back to the Vikings’ facility with medical personnel by his side.
This is a major blow to a Minnesota pass defense that was already among the worst in the league last year, finishing last in the NFL in completion percentage (70.3) and ninth in passing yards (3,986).
Blackmon, 25, had a strong rookie season out of the University of Southern California, appearing in 15 games and making three starts.
He recorded 41 tackles (three for loss), as well as one interception and one fumble recovery.
He also recorded eight passes defended in his first year.
For his efforts, Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 71.8.
This came after a solid collegiate career at the University of Colorado and the University of Southern California, where he earned First Team All-Pac 12 honors in his lone season with the Trojans.
Minnesota’s other cornerbacks include Akaileb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., Najee Thompson and Byron Murphy Jr.
