Vikes’ Hicks remains in hospital after leg surgery

EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks underwent a procedure Sunday night and remained hospitalized Monday after developing compartment syndrome in his right leg following the team’s 27-19 victory over the Saints, coach Kevin O’Connell said.

In the wake of Hicks’ injury, the Vikings are planning to re-sign four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Anthony Barr, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Barr spent eight seasons in Minnesota after becoming the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2014. He played for the Dallas Cowboys last season. The move indicates that Hicks’ injury will sideline him for a more extended period and perhaps make him a candidate for injured reserve.

Hicks initially left Sunday’s game during the first quarter after he collided with teammate Cam Bynum while making a tackle. He returned to play another 23 defensive and special teams snaps, according to ESPN Stats & Information, before leaving for good in the third quarter with what the team termed a shin contusion.

O’Connell said that Hicks experienced significant swelling in the postgame locker room, raising concern from the team’s medical staff. He was transported directly to a local hospital, where doctors recommended an immediate procedure. Compartment syndrome is diagnosed when swelling and pressure in the bruised area reach dangerous levels. It can lead to permanent muscle damage or worse if treatment is delayed.

“I give our medical staff [credit] for getting him quickly to the hospital,” O’Connell said. “He’s doing well and on the road to being fully back in our facility.”

There was no immediate timetable for Hicks’ release from the hospital, but he has been ruled out of the Vikings’ game Sunday night at the Denver Broncos. Hicks is a team captain, started every game this season and played 98% of the defensive snaps entering Week 10. Rookie Ivan Pace Jr. is expected to assume his role against the Broncos, including being the primary defensive signal-caller.

Hicks posted on social media Tuesday that his “surgery was a huge success” and he was “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

Meanwhile, O’Connell said the Vikings would “ramp up” receiver Justin Jefferson‘s work in practice this week as he continues to recover from a right hamstring injury that has sidelined him since Week 5. The Vikings opened his 21-day practice window last week, meaning he could be activated to their 53-man roster at any time, but O’Connell again stressed that they will not rush him back.

“I know nobody wants to be out there more than Justin, maybe with the exception of me wanting him out there,” O’Connell said. “But we’re going to continue to be smart and know that when we do get him back it’s going to be a major, major boost for us.”