Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon tears ACL | National Sports

Reports from multiple media outlets indicate that cornerback Mekhi Blackmon suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the Minnesota Vikings’ first training camp practice of the summer. The injury occurred during a seven-on-seven drill, as reported by ESPN. Blackmon, a 25-year-old University of Southern California product, was expected to be a key contender for the role of the Vikings’ third cornerback this season following the tragic passing of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson in a car accident on July 6. Blackmon was drafted by Minnesota in the third round of the 2023 draft and played in 15 games for the team last year, starting in three. He contributed 41 tackles, eight passes defensed, one interception, and one fumble recovery. The Vikings’ starting cornerbacks are Shaquill Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr., with backups Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans, as well as Duke Shelley who recently signed with the team after playing for the Los Angeles Rams last year. Shelley appeared in 11 games for both the Vikings in 2022 and the Rams in 2023 before joining the Vikings again this season. –Field Level Media