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Early in the fourth quarter of the Vikings’ 27-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals, rookie first round cornerback Mike Hughes suffered what looked to be a significant injury. During the post game, the Vikings thought it might be a torn ACL, and a few minutes ago, head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed as much.
#Vikings coach Mike Zimmer on Mike Hughes says he's out for the season with torn ACL
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 15, 2018
It’s the second season ending ACL injury in a row for the top Vikings draft pick. Last year, second round pick Dalvin Cook suffered a torn ACL in the fourth game of the year, and now Hughes.
Ironically, the injuries happened in almost the exact same spot on the field:
Holy shit. Dalvin Cook and Mike Hughes tore their ACL’s on the exact same 27 yard line pic.twitter.com/QVKJwgUeSu
— Brian Collins (@bcol5_) October 15, 2018
I don’t know if the turf there needs to be replaced, or if a ‘remove the ACL tear’ hex dance needs to be done, or what. But that’s just weird.
Hughes was having a strong rookie season, and had started in two of Minnesota’s first six games. He had an interception return for a touchdown against San Francisco in week one, and had played extensively in the nickel.
With Hughes out, it looks like Mackensie Alexander, who played well yesterday, will probably take over the nickel spot for the time being.