Linebacker Jordan Hicks of the Minnesota Vikings left the game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10 after colliding with teammate Cam Bynum, appearing to sustain a minor leg injury.
Hicks tested it out on the sidelines, believing it to be nothing more than a bruised shin, and was given the all-clear to play again. But he realized there was a problem after the half. After a series in the third quarter, Hicks came back to the bench but was unable to raise his left leg. Adrenaline wore off as he made his way back to the locker room and pain overwhelmed him.
In his right leg, Hicks had acquired compartment syndrome, a rare illness that causes pressure and edema due to internal hemorrhage.
It got to the point where I was lying in the fetal position, trying to concentrate on my breathing. It was unbearably painful.
According to Vikings.com, Hicks stated, “It’s the deepest, darkest ache you can probably imagine.” “I was completely drenched in sweat, squirming around in an attempt to find comfort.” Incapable of finding comfort.
After being flown to a hospital in the Minneapolis region, Hicks had emergency surgery, which put him on injured reserve in Week 12.
It could have been far worse, though.
Hicks disclosed to reporters this week that he might have had his right leg amputated during his first interview after having surgery on November 13.
“Until I woke up from surgery and heard the doctors say, ‘It’s a good thing you got in, because you could have lost your leg,’ I really had no idea about anything like this,” the man stated. Since then, I’ve heard innumerable accounts of people who suffered lasting harm, including needing to have limbs amputated, have muscles removed, or have dropped feet. Crazy. Absurd. I feel fortunate and grateful to be in this position.
As Minnesota looks to compete for the postseason in the next five weeks of the season, Hicks’ return as the defensive signal caller and team captain of the Vikings is not out of the question.
A player placed on injured reserve by the NFL is required to miss at least four games. Given that the Vikings had a bye in Week 13, Sunday, December 24, the Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions would mark Hicks’ earliest return.
Coordinator Brian Flores stated that Hicks was leading the Vikings in tackles prior to his injury and was performing at a Pro Bowl caliber.
Hicks stated that he is “optimistic” about making a comeback this season, but he is not getting ahead of himself.
He advised the Pioneer Press, “Don’t look up what that looks like on the Internet.” “It’s quite graphic.”
Only three full games have been played by Davenport this season despite being a highly sought-after free agent signing in the offseason. Two days prior to the season, he sustained a right ankle injury that prevented him from playing in all but four of the Vikings’ first three games.
Before sustaining a left ankle strain that needed surgery, Davenport was a disruptive force on the D-line and recorded two sacks in his three games back.
On October 18, Davenport was placed on injured reserve. Although he is qualified to come off injured reserve, there is no word on whether he will play again this season.
