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Vikings' Jamal Adams Out for Season After Knee Injury

PUBLISHED Aug 17, 2026, 1:26 PM ET

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Vikings' Jamal Adams Out for Season After Knee Injury

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 26

Center 92%

Right 8%

Sources: 26

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jamal Adams will miss the 2026 season after suffering a season-ending right knee injury during Saturday’s 13-10 preseason victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Adams was injured in the second quarter while covering Giants receiver Calvin Austin III during a play that ended with quarterback Jaxson Dart’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Malachi Fields. The 30-year-old veteran was carted from the field after evaluation in the sideline medical tent. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the injury was season-ending, and Minnesota on Monday placed Adams on injured reserve while signing cornerback Bryce Phillips. Adams joined the Vikings on July 28, after playing 17 games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. A three-time Pro Bowler and 2019 first-team All-Pro, he was expected to provide versatility at linebacker and safety in Brian Flores’ defense. The injury ends his Minnesota debut after 11 defensive snaps and one tackle.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On April 28, 2017, Jets selected Adams sixth overall that year.
On September 11, 2022, Adams suffered quadriceps injury with Seahawks.
On March 2024, Seattle released Adams after four injury-marred seasons.
On July 2024, Tennessee signed Adams as defensive backfield reinforcement.
During 2024, Adams played five combined games for Detroit, Tennessee.
On July 27, 2026, Adams announced Minnesota Vikings signing publicly.
On July 28, 2026, Vikings officially signed Adams for defense.
On August 15, 2026, Vikings defeated Giants 13-10 at MetLife.
On August 15, 2026, Adams suffered non-contact right knee injury.
On August 17, 2026, Vikings placed Adams on injured reserve.
By August 2026, Vikings will evaluate replacements for Adams' role.
During preseason, Minnesota could test safety-linebacker combinations without Adams again.
Over 2026 season, Vikings may redistribute Adams' snaps across defenders.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Minnesota loses a versatile defender before its regular season begins.
Possible long-term US impact: Adams’ injury could reshape Minnesota’s defensive rotation throughout the season.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official Vikings updates and independent injury reporting.
Most Affected: Vikings defenders, coaches, fans, and Minnesota communities face greatest impact.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 26
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 24

Explain Framing

Left: Evidence was insufficient to establish distinct left-leaning framing consistently. Center: Center coverage emphasizes verified injury details, timeline, and roster consequences. Right: Evidence was insufficient to establish distinct right-leaning framing consistently.