MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Vikings receiver Rondale Moore suffered a “pretty significant” injury to his left knee during the game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, according to coach Kevin O’Connell. The injury occurred on Moore’s first play after returning from a significant right knee injury suffered last season. O’Connell did not offer a specific diagnosis, indicating that an MRI would be performed on Sunday, but called the situation “heartbreaking”. Moore has struggled to stay healthy since the Arizona Cardinals selected him in the second round of the 2021 draft. He missed nine games in 2022 due to various ailments, and then the entire 2024 season after suffering a dislocated right knee during training camp with the Atlanta Falcons. This year, he signed a one-year contract with the Vikings and was on track to be the team’s kick returner and potentially the number 4 receiver. On his first return, Texans linebacker Jamal Hill tackled him as he was coming off the field after a 2-yard gain. In the process, Hill awkwardly threw Moore over his left leg. The physical trainers quickly brought out a stretcher. Moore’s frustration was evident; he slammed his hands so hard on the back of the stretcher that the sound was heard throughout the stadium.
O’Connell spoke with the members of Brad Allen’s officiating crew to ask if Hill’s hit qualified as an illegal hip-drop tackle.It’s one of the most painful things for me as a head coach when I feel that emotion. I dedicate myself to trying to leave others better than I found them. In that situation, there’s nothing I can do, which is the worst feeling as a coach. So you simply check in with him and make sure he knows he won’t be alone.
Kevin O’Connell
I have to rewatch the play before I can really give [an answer] about it. But it was very, very unfortunate. It seemed to have many of the characteristics of [the hip drop], but I know it’s a three-part process to really call that on the field. We’ll see when we watch the tape, I don’t think there was any ill intent there.
Kevin O’Connell
