Donovan Jackson placed on IR as Vikings shuffle roster

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Donovan Jackson placed on IR as Vikings shuffle roster

Originally posted on Bring Me The Sports
By Jonathan Harrison | Last updated Oct 6, 2026 6:28 PM ET

The Vikings have officially placed second-year guard Donovan Jackson on injured reserve, after suffering a meniscus tear in the team’s 15-10 win over the Dolphins on Sunday. Jackson’s placement on IR was expected after Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said that the former Ohio State guard’s regular season was likely over on Monday.

“Unfortunately Donovan Jackson does have a meniscus tear that will require surgery and likely end his regular season, based upon the timeline,” said O’Connell during his Monday press conference. “Does indeed look like an injured reserve situation. Very unfortunate.”

Jackson suffered the injury in the first quarter. Following the play, in which he was called for a hold, Jackson was seen calling for medical assistance as he limped off the field.

The No. 24 overall pick by the Vikings in the 2025 draft, Jackson had been having a season that left the organization excited about the future of the left side of their offensive line for years to come. Now, with Jackson done for the season, the Vikings will likely lean on second-year undrafted free agent Joe Huber to fill in at left guard.

Huber filled in on Sunday after Jackson’s departure, playing 71 offensive snaps. He allowed two pressures and earned a below-average PFF grade.

The #Vikings have announced the following roster moves

– Placed G Donovan Jackson on IR

– Signed T Tristan Leigh to the practice squad

– Released CB Natrone Brooks, P Johnny Hekker and RB Devin Neal from the practice squad

– Waived CB Tyreek Chappell from IR
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2026

Minnesota also announced several other moves on Tuesday. The Vikings cut corner Natrone Brooks, veteran punter Johnny Hekker, and running back Devin Neal from their practice squad.

The Hekker cut likely means that Brett Thorson is set to return from a hamstring injury that has held him out for the last two weeks. Hekker made several notably poor punts in Sunday’s win, shanking a second-quarter punt for just 20 yards, while a third-quarter punt traveled just 31 yards.

The Vikings signed offensive tackle Tristan Leigh to their practice squad, as well as waived corner Tyreek Chappell from injured reserve.

Leigh, 23, was an undrafted free agent signing by the Vikings following the 2026 NFL Draft. He was part of the team’s final cuts at the conclusion of training camp in August. The addition of Leigh gives Minnesota another offensive line body after losing Jackson to injured reserve.

This article first appeared on Bring Me The Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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