Vikings veteran LB to miss at least a month on IR

After undergoing leg surgery on Sunday, Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks is set to miss at least the next month. The Vikings announced that they’ve placed Hicks on injured reserve, meaning the veteran will be out until at least Week 15.

Hicks briefly left Sunday’s game during the first quarter before returning and playing 23 defensive/special teams snaps. He left the game for good in the third quarter with what was described as a shin contusion.

Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Hicks’ knee swelled up after the game and necessitated a trip to the hospital. Doctors suggested immediate surgery after diagnosing Hicks with compartment syndrome, which is when swelling in a bruised area reaches “dangerous levels” (per Seifert). Hicks was released from the hospital today and posted an encouraging update on X.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me the past few days and for all of your continued prayers,” Hicks wrote. “The surgery was a huge success and I’m grateful for all of the doctors, nurses and medical staff who treated me. Looking forward to getting back out there with the guys soon!”

Hicks hadn’t missed a start since joining the Vikings prior to the 2022 campaign. After finishing his first season in Minnesota with 129 tackles, the 31-year-old collected 87 stops through 10 games this season. Seifert writes that undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. is expected to take Hicks’ role on defense and should also inherit the defensive signal-caller role.

The Vikings also added some depth at the position yesterday. The team signed old friend Anthony Barr to the practice squad, and it shouldn’t take long for the veteran to find his way onto the 53-man roster.