Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks hospitalized after injury suffered against Saints

Jordan Hicks, a captain of the Vikings defense, needed to be taken to a Minneapolis-area hospital after he developed a dangerous complication from a shin bruise.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed what happened with Hicks, post injury. O’Connell said Hicks developed compartment syndrome after he bruised his shin on the Saints opening drive. The Vikings won the game 27-19.

You can take a look at the injury in the video below. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, who covers the Vikings, shared it on X (formerly Twitter). The injury looks fairly benign. But compartment syndrome is dangerous if it’s not treated.

I believe this is the play that Jordan Hicks bruised his right shin on yesterday. It doesn't *look* that bad, but it's a reminder of the force of impact on seemingly random plays at the NFL level. Hicks wound up in the hospital with compartment syndrome because of it. pic.twitter.com/WBSAvHuPZC

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 13, 2023

O’Connell praised the Vikings medical team for acting so quickly in recognizing what was happening and taking Hicks to the hospital.

“After the game, it was swelling up pretty good,” O’Connell told reporters, as he described Hicks’ leg. “Our medical team, we decided to get Jordan evaluated at a local hospital where he did need kind of a procedure to address some of the complications from that direct trauma to his lower leg, kind of to relieve some of the pressure that was in there, and he’s doing well.

“It is something more than likely that will cause him to miss at least this week. We’ll make sure Jordan continues to get that great care and hope to have him back in the facility as soon as possible.”

Jordan Hicks calls defensive signals for Vikings

Hicks updated Vikings fans Tuesday morning by sharing a photo of himself from the hospital. He wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me the past few days and for all of your continued prayers. The surgery was a huge success and I’m grateful for all of the doctors, nurses and medical staff who treated me. Looking forward to getting back out there with the guys soon!”

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me the past few days and for all of your continued prayers. The surgery was a huge success and I’m grateful for all of the doctors, nurses and medical staff who treated me. Looking forward to getting back out there with the guys soon! pic.twitter.com/QlbzI56K0v

— Jordan Hicks (@JordanHicks) November 14, 2023

Later Tuesday, the Vikings placed the linebacker on injured reserve.

Hicks, the former Texas Longhorn, is in his ninth year in the NFL, and his second as a Viking. He’s one of the most active players on the roster. The game he’ll miss Sunday will be his first since 2018. Hicks wears a special communications device in his helmet because the Vikings use him as a quarterback to call signals for the defense. While on the field, he uses the device, aka the green dot, to talk to defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

The Vikings have won five straight and Hicks is one of the reasons why Minnesota was able to flip its fortunes. He leads the team in tackles. And he’s posted an interception, forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown. Rookie linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr. wore the green dot after Hicks following Hicks’ injury.

Meanwhile, ESPN reported that the Vikings plan to sign four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Anthony Barr to replace Hicks. Barr played last season for the Cowboys, but he spent eight years for the Vikings. O’Connell confirmed that Hicks will miss at least one game. but adding Barr probably means the Vikings believe Hicks may be missing more than one game.