Jonathan Greenard, a standout edge rusher for the Minnesota Vikings, will miss the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery. This decision follows an impressive performance during the Vikings’ 34-26 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2023, where Greenard showcased his talents despite ongoing pain.
Greenard has struggled with this shoulder issue for much of the season, which previously sidelined him for games against the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers last month. After making a return, he played through discomfort until the injury worsened during the recent game.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Greenard’s resilience and leadership. “He was not going to be denied when he got his strength and got what he needed to be cleared to play,” O’Connell stated. He acknowledged that Greenard understood the necessity of surgery to fully recover and return to form.
In his last game, Greenard applied substantial pressure on veteran quarterback Dak Prescott, recording one sack and consistently disrupting the Cowboys’ offensive rhythm. His performance earned him a remarkable grade of 90.5 from Pro Football Focus, underscoring his impact on the game. Throughout the season, Greenard has tallied 38 tackles, 3 sacks, and 12 quarterback hits across 12 games.
O’Connell expressed pride in Greenard’s contributions, saying, “I’m just so proud of him. I know he’ll get it fixed and be ready to rock and roll.”
With Greenard out for the season, young edge rusher Dallas Turner is expected to step up and gain valuable experience, which could be crucial for his development as the Vikings continue their campaign.
As the team navigates this setback, they will look to maintain momentum in the face of adversity, demonstrating the resilience that has characterized their season thus far.
