Vikings face setback with Moore knee injury

A preseason knee injury to Rondale Moore raises questions about the Vikings' return game and depth.

Vikings face setback as Rondale Moore suffers serious knee injury

After Saturday's preseason opener, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Moore suffered a pretty significant injury to his left knee during a first-half punt return. He added the play had some characteristics of a hip-drop tackle and the team will seek more clarity on the issue. Moore, the 49th overall pick in 2021, has spent time with the Cardinals and Falcons and missed all of 2024 due to a knee injury. He was listed as the No. 1 punt returner on Minnesota's initial depth chart for 2025, with Lucky Jackson No. 2. The injury also matters for the offense since starting receiver Jordan Addison will miss the first three games due to a suspension. Moore had signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Vikings.

The setback arrives just as the Vikings try to build rhythm in those early weeks. Minnesota will need to shuffle special teams duties and receiving roles while the roster evaluates how far they can rely on younger players to step up.

The injury tests the Vikings' depth rather than just their top stars. A season is won lane by the ability to absorb shocks, not by a single headline name. Minnesota now faces a clearer path to evaluating its punt return group and how the offense can operate without one of its planned catalysts. The episode also underscores how preseason injuries can reshape early game plans, especially with Addison unavailable for the first three outings.

Highlights

The road back will write the Vikings next chapter.