The Minnesota Vikings’ first training camp practice of the summer proved costly as cornerback Mekhi Blackmon tore an anterior cruciate ligament, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday.
Blackmon got hurt during a seven-on-seven drill, according to ESPN.
The 25-year-old University of Southern California product was viewed as a top contender to serve as the Vikings’ third cornerback this year following the death of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson in a July 6 car accident.
Blackmon was selected by Minnesota in the third round of the 2023 draft. He appeared in 15 games for the Vikings last year, including three starts. Blackmon registered 41 tackles, eight passes defensed, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Shaquill Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr. are the Vikings’ starting cornerbacks. Backups Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans will be joined by Duke Shelley, who signed with Minnesota on Tuesday, having played 11 games for the Vikings in 2022 before playing 11 games for the Los Angeles Rams last year.