MINNEAPOLIMEDIA SPORTS | Vikings Lose Starting Guard Donovan Jackson to Torn Meniscus After 4-0 Start

Minnesota's undefeated start has produced a major injury consequence, with starting left guard Donovan Jackson expected to miss most or all of the remaining regular season after suffering a torn meniscus during Sunday's 15-10 victory over Miami.

EAGAN, MN (October 6, 2026).

The Minnesota Vikings emerged from Sunday's victory over Miami with a 4-0 record but also with a significant new problem along an offensive line already dealing with injuries.

Starting left guard Donovan Jackson suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and will require surgery, head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Monday.

The early prognosis is that the injury will likely end Jackson's regular season.

Jackson was injured during Minnesota's 15-10 victory over the Dolphins at the U.S. Bank Stadium, a game in which the Vikings failed to score a touchdown but relied on five Will Reichard field goals and another strong defensive performance to remain undefeated.

The injury was initially described only as a knee problem Sunday.

Imaging Monday established the more serious diagnosis.

Jackson's absence creates an immediate personnel issue before Minnesota travels to New Orleans.

Joe Huber replaced Jackson against Miami. O'Connell said the coaching staff has been encouraged by Huber's development since the Vikings signed him as an undrafted player in 2025.

The concern extends beyond one position.

Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw also left Sunday's game after suffering a neck injury and was later evaluated for a concussion. That means Minnesota could be forced to make changes at two adjacent positions on the left side of its offensive line as it prepares for the Saints.

Jackson's loss is particularly significant because of his trajectory.

A 2025 first-round draft selection, Jackson entered his second NFL season after what O'Connell described as an outstanding offseason and had established himself as an ascending player on the offensive line.

The Vikings had already been winning through an unusual formula.

Minnesota is 4-0 despite failing to score an offensive touchdown in two of its first four games. The defense and special teams have repeatedly compensated when the offense has struggled to finish drives.

Quarterback Kyler Murray was sacked four times against Miami, while Minnesota committed 11 penalties for 85 yards. The Vikings nevertheless controlled possession for more than 39 minutes and avoided turnovers.

Jackson's injury makes improvement in pass protection and offensive consistency more complicated.

Minnesota now must determine whether Huber can become the longer-term replacement, whether additional line combinations are necessary and how Darrisaw's health affects the configuration beside him.

The Vikings have built one of the NFL's best early-season records.

They will now attempt to protect it with a substantially altered offensive line.

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