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.