Vikings Brace for Worst as Safety Jamal Adams Exits Preseason Game With Knee Injury

Jamal Adams, the former Jets first-round selection, was attempting to secure a roster position with the Minnesota Vikings when a non-contact knee injury ended his afternoon at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The defensive back went down while covering Giants receiver Calvin Austin III in the red zone during the Vikings’ 13-10 preseason victory, requiring a cart to remove him from the field in the first half.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed concern immediately following the injury, characterizing the initial assessment as “not good” during his postgame comments. O’Connell praised Adams’ rapid integration into the team’s defensive scheme since his late-July signing, noting the 30-year-old’s work ethic and veteran presence had already made an impact in practice and competition.

Adams had been performing effectively before the injury struck, registering a tackle on a Giants rushing play and demonstrating the versatility that made him valuable to Minnesota’s defensive plans. The team intended to transition him from safety to linebacker, a position change he previously made with another organization last season.

The injury marks a setback for Adams, who is entering his 10th NFL season and joined Minnesota specifically to compete for playing time. His career includes two Pro Bowl selections and a First Team All-Pro honor in 2019, when he compiled 6.5 sacks and 75 tackles across 14 games with the Jets before being traded to Seattle in subsequent years.