Coach Kevin O’Connell of the GettyVikings during the team’s 2023 season opening.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks of the Minnesota Vikings left the game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10 due to what seemed to be a minor leg injury sustained in a collision with teammate Cam Bynum.
Hicks tested it out on the sidelines, believing it to be nothing more than a bruised shin, and was given the all-clear to play again. But he realized there was a problem after the half. After a series in the third quarter, Hicks came back to the bench but was unable to raise his left leg. Adrenaline wore off as he made his way back to the locker room and pain overwhelmed him.
In his right leg, Hicks had acquired compartment syndrome, a rare illness that causes pressure and edema due to internal hemorrhage.
It got to the point where I was lying in the fetal position, trying to concentrate on my breathing. It was unbearably painful.
Hicks stated, according to Vikings.com, “It’s the deepest, darkest ache you can probably imagine.” “I was completely drenched in sweat, squirming around in an attempt to find comfort.” Incapable of finding comfort.
After being flown to a hospital in the Minneapolis region, Hicks had emergency surgery, which put him on injured reserve in Week 12.
It could have been far worse, though.
Hicks disclosed to reporters this week that he might have had his right leg amputated during his first interview after having surgery on November 13.
“Until I woke up from surgery and heard the doctors say, ‘It’s a good thing you got in, because you could have lost your leg,’ I really had no idea about anything like this,” the man stated. Since then, I’ve heard innumerable accounts of people who suffered lasting harm, including needing to have limbs amputated, have muscles removed, or have dropped feet. Crazy. Absurd. I feel fortunate and grateful to be in this position.
Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks is hopeful to play again this season.
Jordan Hicks is a linebacker and captain for the GettyVikings.
As Minnesota looks to compete for the postseason in the next five weeks of the season, Hicks’ return as the defensive signal caller and team captain of the Vikings is not out of the question.
A player placed on injured reserve by the NFL is required to miss at least four games. Given that the Vikings had a bye in Week 13, Sunday, December 24, the Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions would mark Hicks’ earliest return.
Coordinator Brian Flores stated that Hicks was leading the Vikings in tackles prior to his injury and was performing at a Pro Bowl caliber.
Hicks stated that he is “optimistic” about making a comeback this season, but he is not getting ahead of himself.
Meanwhile, he offered some guidance to his admirers.Marcus Davenport, a Vikings edge rusher, has not been updated.
Marcus Davenport during Vikings training camp. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings.
Hicks is undoubtedly the most important defender on injured reserve right now, but Marcus Davenport is the player who may have the biggest influence on a potential postseason run.
Only three full games have been played by Davenport this season despite being a highly sought-after free agent signing in the offseason. Two days prior to the season, he sustained a right ankle injury that prevented him from playing in all but four of the Vikings’ first three games.
Before sustaining a left ankle strain that needed surgery, Davenport was a disruptive force on the D-line and recorded two sacks in his three games back.
Davenport landed on injured reserve on October 18. Although he is qualified to come off injured reserve, there is no word on whether he will play again this season.
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