MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings veteran defender Jamal Adams will miss the 2026 NFL season because of a right knee injury suffered in Saturday’s preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game in East Rutherford, N.J., that Adams’ “initial exam does not look good,” but that the team needed further imaging to confirm the extent of the injury.
Adams appeared to be injured on Jaxson Dart’s second-quarter touchdown pass to Malachi Fields. Adams was away from the play, picking up a crossing route when he stumbled on the turf.
He was in the medical tent on the Vikings sideline for a long time, and defensive backs Josh Metellus, Byron Murphy Jr. and Theo Jackson all headed in to visit him. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores and O’Connell also checked on Adams before he was carted off the field.
“When I went in there, to hear those emotions, it had my head in a different space,” Murphy said. “But we’re going to get through this thing. All positive. That’s my brother, so we’re going to look after him.”
The Vikings signed the 30-year-old Adams on July 27, right before the start of training camp. The three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety converted to linebacker last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, and his versatility made him an intriguing piece for a Flores defense that uses hybrid players to great effect.
Adams initially played linebacker for the Vikings while wearing No. 54. He later switched to No. 32 and moved into the defensive back meeting room, returning to his roots at safety. Adams took some first-team reps as the No. 3 safety in practices when Jay Ward was in concussion protocol.
“Everybody was like, ‘Man, you link up with Flo, the sky could be the limit,’” Adams said early in training camp. “He can use you in unique ways.”
Adams, a 2016 first-round pick who began his career playing for the Jets at MetLife Stadium, also spent four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where new Vikings General Manager Nolan Teasley previously worked.
Adams dealt with multiple injuries from 2020 to ’24, and last year was the first time he played every regular-season game since 2018.
Metellus said Adams addressed the team’s defensive backs and linebackers last week, telling his story from a 10-year NFL career that’s included a large spate of injuries.
“This game takes a lot from you, and it doesn’t really give too much,” Metellus said. “It’s a constant, relentless effort to be out there and play the game you love, and you fall short year in and year out. I think it’s definitely been tough. These past couple years ain’t giving him what he wants, but that’s the name of the game.”