Posted on Dec 15

Vikings' Greenard to miss season, Dallas Turner steps up in starting role

Posted Dec 15, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings will be without linebacker Jonathan Greenard for the remainder of the season due to a left shoulder injury, elevating Dallas Turner to a more prominent role.

Why it matters: Greenard's absence represents a significant loss for the Vikings’ defense, which relies heavily on his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The Vikings defensive scheme, likely a variant of the 4-3, benefits from Greenard's high pressure rate of 13.5%, ranking fifth in the NFL.
With an injury that has hampered his performance throughout the season, the team must adjust quickly to maintain their competitive edge.

What’s new: Greenard suffered the injury during Week 10 and played the last three games on a limited basis before aggravating it against the Dallas Cowboys.

After recording 12 sacks last season, his decline to just three this year underscores the impact of his injury on his effectiveness.
He is set to undergo surgery and aims for a complete recovery by the start of next season.

Yes, but: This situation allows Dallas Turner the chance to step up at a critical time in the season.

As a first-round draft pick for 2024, Turner's ascension to a full-time role could help mitigate the void left by Greenard.
The Vikings are counting on Turner to demonstrate his capability as they push for a playoff berth.

By the numbers: Prior to his injury, Greenard had been crucial to the Vikings' defensive strategy.

He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024 after signing a four-year, $72 million contract.
His performance over the previous seasons showcased his ability to disrupt offenses, making him a cornerstone of the Vikings' defensive line.

What’s next: The Vikings are expected to adapt their defensive game plan to account for Greenard's absence.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell acknowledged the need for a strategic shift, stating that Greenard had been attempting to play through the injury but ultimately needed surgical intervention.
With Turner stepping in, the Vikings will be looking for adjustments that maximize his skill set while maintaining overall team cohesion.

The bottom line: The Vikings face a challenging road ahead without Greenard, but his impending surgery and the opportunity for Turner may pave a way forward for the team's defensive ambitions.

As the season progresses, how effectively Turner can fill Greenard's shoes may significantly influence the Vikings' prospects in both the short and long term.

Vikings' Greenard to miss season, Dallas Turner steps up in starting role

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 15, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings will be without linebacker Jonathan Greenard for the remainder of the season due to a left shoulder injury, elevating Dallas Turner to a more prominent role.

Why it matters: Greenard's absence represents a significant loss for the Vikings’ defense, which relies heavily on his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The Vikings defensive scheme, likely a variant of the 4-3, benefits from Greenard's high pressure rate of 13.5%, ranking fifth in the NFL.

With an injury that has hampered his performance throughout the season, the team must adjust quickly to maintain their competitive edge.

What’s new: Greenard suffered the injury during Week 10 and played the last three games on a limited basis before aggravating it against the Dallas Cowboys.

After recording 12 sacks last season, his decline to just three this year underscores the impact of his injury on his effectiveness.

He is set to undergo surgery and aims for a complete recovery by the start of next season.

Yes, but: This situation allows Dallas Turner the chance to step up at a critical time in the season.

As a first-round draft pick for 2024, Turner's ascension to a full-time role could help mitigate the void left by Greenard.

The Vikings are counting on Turner to demonstrate his capability as they push for a playoff berth.

By the numbers: Prior to his injury, Greenard had been crucial to the Vikings' defensive strategy.

He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024 after signing a four-year, $72 million contract.

His performance over the previous seasons showcased his ability to disrupt offenses, making him a cornerstone of the Vikings' defensive line.

What’s next: The Vikings are expected to adapt their defensive game plan to account for Greenard's absence.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell acknowledged the need for a strategic shift, stating that Greenard had been attempting to play through the injury but ultimately needed surgical intervention.

With Turner stepping in, the Vikings will be looking for adjustments that maximize his skill set while maintaining overall team cohesion.

The bottom line: The Vikings face a challenging road ahead without Greenard, but his impending surgery and the opportunity for Turner may pave a way forward for the team's defensive ambitions.

As the season progresses, how effectively Turner can fill Greenard's shoes may significantly influence the Vikings' prospects in both the short and long term.