Phil Loadholt Injury: Updates on Vikings RT's Achilles and Return

Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt left Saturday night's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a leg injury, which was later confirmed to be a torn Achilles. The team placed him on injured reserve on Aug. 18.

Continue for updates.

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Loadholt Suffered Torn Achilles vs. Tampa Bay

Monday, Aug. 17

Norv Turner confirmed Loadholt's diagnosis via the team, which was expected after Ian Rapoport of NFL Network passed along the devastating news for Vikings fans on Aug. 15.

The seven-year veteran lasted just two plays against the Buccaneers in Minnesota's second preseason game before suffering an injury to his leg that had him carted off the field. According to Around the NFL, Loadholt was "visibly upset."

Minnesota released its official word shortly after Loadholt was taken to the locker room:

Per Zac Jackson of ProFootballTalk, "A sideline report on the broadcast by former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber said Loadholt was helped onto a cart with tears in his eyes as trainers worked on his left foot or ankle."

Leber went on to say, "He [Loadholt] knows it's something not good."

Loadholt has been a starter on the Vikings offensive line since 2009, appearing in 15 or more games in his first five seasons. He appeared in just 11 contests last year because of a torn pectoral muscle. 

Rookie T.J. Clemmings is listed as Loadholt's backup on the depth chart and replaced him during Saturday night's game. 

The Vikings will need their offensive line intact to protect a developing quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater as well as Adrian Peterson, who is going to need time to build his game back up to an NFL level after spending most of the 2014 season on the commissioner's exempt list.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.