Blackmon (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions, Matthew Coller of The Purple Insider reports.
Blackmon began the Vikings' week of practice with a limited session, but he followed that up with back-to-back DNPs on Thursday and Friday, so it's no surprise that he won't suit up in Week 18. With the rookie cornerback missing his second consecutive game, expect NaJee Thompson to see increased work in Minnesota's secondary.
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Vikings' Mekhi Blackmon: Still nursing shoulder injury
Rotowire
Blackmon (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report.
Blackmon was able to play through his shoulder issue in Week 17, so any limitations at this point could just be maintenance related. He'll still likely need to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.
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Vikings' Mekhi Blackmon: Good to go versus Green Bay
Rotowire
Blackmon (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Packers, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.
Blackmon sustained a shoulder injury in the Vikings' Week 16 loss to the Lions. He was a limited participant in Minnesota's last two practices this week and is good to go in a pivotal NFC North clash. With Byron Murphy ruled out ahead of Sunday's game with a knee injury, Blackmon should draw the start at corner alongside Akayleb Evans.
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Vikings' Mekhi Blackmon: Chance to play Week 17
Rotowire
Blackmon (shoulder) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday night's game against the Packers, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
The 24-year-old corner exited the Vikings' Christmas Eve contest after sustaining a shoulder injury, and after ending the team's week of practice with two limited sessions, he's got a shot to suit up Sunday night. NaJee Thompson would likely see an increase in snaps in Minnesota's secondary if Blackmon were to be inactive in Week 17.
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Vikings' Mekhi Blackmon: Limited role in pro debut
Rotowire
Blackmon had one tackle and played 15 snaps on defense in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay.
The 2023 third-round pick out of USC will begin his pro career with a role off the bench, but played well in his limited time. Blackmon had a defensive stop and allowed a QB rating of 88.2 on the three passes targeted at him, according to Pro Football Focus. He could get more snaps on defense as a result.
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Vikings' Mekhi Blackmon: Returns to practice
Rotowire
Blackmon (upper body) returned to practice Monday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Blackmon was hurt during practice Aug. 17 and missed a few days, but it sounds like he'll be ready for Week 1. The 2023 third-round pick out of USC has been playing with the Vikings' first-team defense during training camp.
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Vikings' Mekhi Blackmon: Picked up by Minnesota
Rotowire
The Vikings selected Blackmon in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 102nd overall.
Blackmon (5-foot-11, 178 pounds) was a standout starting corner with Christian Gonzalez at Colorado before Gonzalez transferred to Oregon and Blackmon transferred to USC prior to the 2022 season. Blackmon is a much lesser prospect than his former teammate, but the Vikings were evidently intrigued. Blackmon's light frame is a concern, but his 4.47 speed should be sufficient, especially when in the slot.
