The Minnesota Vikings expect left guard Donovan Jackson to miss the rest of the regular season. Coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday, October 5, that Jackson needs surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee. Jackson was hurt in the first quarter of Sunday’s 15–10 home win over the Miami Dolphins.
The injury removes a starter from an offensive line that has helped Minnesota to a 4–0 start. Jackson had started all four games at left guard. Joe Huber replaced him against Miami and is the obvious candidate to keep the job when the Vikings visit the New Orleans Saints in Week 5.
A second-year starter’s season interrupted
Minnesota selected Jackson in the first round of the 2025 draft. In his second season he was part of a lineup that had not changed at left guard. O’Connell said Jackson had made a strong start to the year, which makes losing him in early October a real blow for the offense.
Huber is in his second season after joining the Vikings as an undrafted free agent from Wisconsin. He will now get the extended run of snaps that a first-round starter usually takes.
More line questions before New Orleans
Jackson was not the only lineman hurt against Miami. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw entered the concussion protocol, and Ryan Van Demark finished the game in his place. If Darrisaw is not cleared, Minnesota could line up with two new starters on the left side. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson also missed the Miami game with an ankle injury.
The Vikings opened the 21-day practice window for center and guard Michael Jurgens, who began the season on injured reserve. That gives the line one more possible option during the coming weeks. The Vikings–Saints Game Center will show the confirmed lineups once they are announced.
The team has not yet set a date for the surgery or said whether Jackson could return in a postseason game. October 6 roster update: Minnesota placed Jackson on injured reserve and signed tackle Tristan Leigh to the practice squad.
The Vikings also released punter Johnny Hekker, running back Devin Neal and cornerback Natrone Brooks from the practice squad, and waived cornerback Tyreek Chappell from injured reserve. Hekker’s release does not itself establish Brett Thorson’s injury clearance or game-day availability.
Follow roster moves on the Vikings team page and the NFL injury report.
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