EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings rookie guard Donovan Jackson underwent surgery for a wrist injury in Los Angeles Monday morning, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell announced.
Jackson suffered the injury in Week 2 against Atlanta and was limited in practice last Wednesday and Thursday as Minnesota prepared to host Cincinnati.
O'Connell said an evaluation determined Jackson would be able to play without doing further harm.
Minnesota's offensive line was short-handed with center Ryan Kelly and reserve tackle Justin Skule in concussion protocol last week. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw continued his progression (and wound up being able to play well against the Bengals).
Jackson fully participated last Friday and lined up between Darrisaw and second-year center Michael Jurgens.
The Vikings throttled the Bengals 48-10. Jurgens played all 60 offensive snaps, and Jackson played 56, leaving the game briefly with a bloody nose. Darrisaw played 38 snaps. Blake Brandel relieved Darrisaw and Jackson.
O'Connell said the Vikings do not believe the recovery time will lead to Jackson being placed on short-term Injured Reserve.
"Just want to, first and foremost, highlight a young player who played a fantastic football game, but to do it in those circumstances and be willing to, without any hesitation, be out there with his team," O'Connell said. "We're already down some guys in the interior who will return this week, but I thought Donovan was fantastic on the field, and what that means within the standing amongst the locker room and his teammates is just fantastic."
Sunday's determination from the rookie was the latest example of him doing whatever it takes to help his team. He famously moved from left guard to left tackle at Ohio State to help the Buckeyes finish their 2024 season as CFP National Champions.
Minnesota selected Jackson with the 24th overall pick of 2025, and he began competing with Brandel, who started all 17 games for Minnesota in 2024. Brandel's versatility has helped the Vikings during this young season.
The Vikings (2-1) will play the Steelers (2-1) in Dublin in Week 4 and the Browns (1-2) in London in Week 5 before a Week 6 bye.
The Vikings plan for Jackson to make the extended road trip.
"We're hoping to be able to use the bye as part of that timeline to have Donovan back as soon as possible," O'Connell said. "But he's off to a great start in his career — everything we hoped he would be. And yesterday was a big-time day for so many layers for him as a young player, showing his toughness, showing his commitment and being a huge part of our ability to not only run the football but just be effective on offense."
View the 2025 Vikings Schedule.
Check out the 2025 International games.
View future opponents for the Vikings.
Buy single game tickets.
Download the official Vikings App.
