Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon tears ACL in reports

Multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday that cornerback Mekhi Blackmon tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the Minnesota Vikings’ first training camp practice. The injury occurred during a seven-on-seven drill, as reported by ESPN. Blackmon, a 25-year-old University of Southern California product, was considered a strong candidate to be the Vikings’ third cornerback this season following the tragic death of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson in a car accident on July 6. Drafted by Minnesota in the third round of the 2023 draft, Blackmon played in 15 games for the team last year, starting in three. He recorded 41 tackles, eight passes defensed, one interception, and one fumble recovery. The Vikings’ starting cornerbacks are Shaquill Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr., with Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans as backups. Duke Shelley, who signed with Minnesota on Tuesday, will join the backup cornerbacks after playing 11 games for the Vikings in 2022 and 11 games for the Los Angeles Rams last year. –Field Level Media