Minnesota Vikings Preseason: Latest Buzz on Player Injuries

This video from Tom Pelissero explains that the Vikings suffered no major injuries during training camp outside of Greg Childs’ torn patella tendons. But, that doesn’t mean the Vikings suffered their fair share of injuries.

Four Vikings not named Greg Childs were pegged as starters entering training camp but have suffered injuries during camp (or had injuries prior to camp).

Outside of those five, there have been an abundance of injuries to backups that are worth noting:

Undrafted free agent Kamar Jorden suffered a broken hand, making him that much less likely to make the roster.

Offensive tackle DeMarcus Love, a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, is recovering from a pectoral injury (Monday is his projected return date), running back Jordan Todman is battling an ankle injury (he's not expected to play Friday) and Robert Blanton (a fifth-round pick in 2012) returned to practice Monday after suffering a hamstring injury on July 30.

But, here’s an update of five Vikings projected to make a major impact on the 2012 campaign.

Adrian Peterson, Running Back

This man is the Minnesota Vikings franchise. Without him there is limited hope for the team to have a positive future.

Peterson’s recovering from a torn ACL and MCL suffered last Dec. 24 against the Washington Redskins. The expectation prior to training camp and OTAs was that Peterson would be ready in time for Week 1.

On Wednesday Adrian Peterson put on the pads for the first time in 2012 and the message to teammates was simple (according to Jamarca Sanford), “Do not touch 28. If you touch him, you’re cut.”

He won’t play in a preseason game until Aug. 24 against the San Diego Chargers, the team's third preseason contest. Fans across the league will tune in to see how Peterson does with contact in practice so as to know whether to draft him in fantasy football.

Barring any setbacks Peterson is in-line to be on the field (in some form) against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 9.

Geoff Schwartz, Offensive Guard

On Aug. 7, the Vikings presumed starting right guard underwent surgery to remove a sports hernia. The timetable for recovery from the procedure is four to six weeks, but coach Leslie Frazier acknowledged it could take eight to 10 weeks.

Schwartz will miss the remainder of the preseason and may not be back in time for Minnesota’s opener on Sept. 9.

There is no word yet on how the procedure went or how Schwartz is recovering.

Even if Schwartz is back in time for the opener, it’s expected, at this point, that the right guard job belongs to Brandon Fusco, who will presumably take the majority of reps with the first unit and be the best suited to start in Week 1.

The Vikings signed Schwartz to a one-year contract this offseason after Schwartz spent the first four years of his career with the Carolina Panthers.

John Carlson, Tight End

The acquisition of John Carlson was Minnesota’s biggest splash in free agency in 2012, and so far, it hasn't reaped the benefits the franchise planned on.

Carlson was supposed to pair with Kyle Rudolph to form a strong tight end duo that would enrich the play of second-year quarterback Christian Ponder. Instead, Carlson injured his knee in practice on July 31 and hasn’t been a practice participant since..

The former Seattle Seahawk jogged at practice on Aug. 6, and it was reported by Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN that he had a noticeable hitch in his step. That same report said Carlson won’t play in Minnesota’s second preseason game on Aug. 17. Recovery from the Grade 2 sprain Carlson suffered typically takes two to four weeks, according to Yahoo! Sports.

At this point, Minnesota doesn’t want to rush its five-year, $28 million investment. Carlson and the Vikings must hope he'll be ready for Week 3 of the preseason against the San Diego Chargers.

Letroy Guion, Defensive Tackle

In Friday's 17-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, defensive tackle Letroy Guion suffered a strained knee (via CBS Sports) in the first quarter. The injury is expected to keep him out one to two weeks.

There hasn't been much chatter to change that prognosis since his injury, so look for Guion to return for the all-important third preseason game against the San Diego Chargers.

Guion, a fifth-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft, is expected to start alongside Kevin Williams at defensive tackle. Brian Hall of Fox Sports North articulated in this article the importance of Guion to Minnesota's defense.

If Guion's injury persists, then Fred Evans will be the man opposite Williams at defensive tackle.

Greg Childs, Wide Receiver

Drafting Greg Childs in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft was supposed to make members of the Minnesota Vikings' front office look like geniuses. Childs declared he would be the steal of his draft class, (via Vikings Tonight), and there was buzz surrounding his future.

But one awkward landing later and Childs is out for the entire 2012 campaign, maybe some of 2013 too, by tearing the patella tendon in both knees on Aug. 5. The buzz was dead.

Minnesota hoped Childs would provide a stable downfield threat to coexist with Jerome Simpson (after Simpson’s three-game suspension passed). Now, Childs and Minnesota hope he can one day play a down in the NFL…at some point.