Rondale Moore, the gifted first-round wide receiver of the Minnesota Vikings burst his left knee. This freak accident happened on his very first play of the preseason against the Houston Texans on Saturday. This latest surprise represents yet another major blow in Moore’s career. That’s after coming back from a severe injury to his right knee that he suffered last season.
The injury happened when Moore was trying to run the play outside and run out of bounds on a 2-yard gain. Texans linebacker Jamal Hill came in for a tackle that forced Moore’s body to be jerked uncomfortably over his left leg. The economic hit had raised tough questions. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell to find out if it was deemed an illegal hip-drop tackle.
Moore’s history with injuries has been troubling since the Arizona Cardinals selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, he missed nine games last season due to a slew of injuries. This year, though, he’s done for the season after suffering a dislocation of his right knee during training camp with Atlanta.
This offseason, Moore signed a one-year deal with the Vikings. Though he’s short despite explosive athleticism, he’s going to have a big impact as the team’s punt returner and could emerge as the No. 4 receiver. His anger was on display after the injury, an ironic look at the challenges he has dealt with in his career.
Chairman O’Connell shared his sympathy for Moore, calling the circumstances “heartbreaking.” He added that they plan to do an MRI on Sunday to determine how severe the injury is. Though, he was not ready to make a final diagnosis just yet.
“It’s one of the most painful things for me as a head coach when I feel that emotion,” – Kevin O’Connell
The visiting head coach understood just how much this injury hurts Moore. He lamented the emotional toll it exacts on the game’s coaching staff and on teammates. O’Connell plans to review the play before offering a definitive response regarding Moore’s condition.
As Moore fights through these injuries, we all—understandably—wish his recovery is quick. His story reminds us all of the fickleness of professional sports and the toughness necessary to bounce back from such adversity.
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