Jamal Adams to Miss 2026 Season After Knee Injury

MetLife Stadium’s turf has claimed another victim.

Vikings veteran S/LB Jamal Adams will miss the entire 2026 season after suffering a season-ending right knee injury during Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Giants, according to Ian Rapoport.

The injury occurred on a non-contact play early in the second quarter while Adams was dropping into coverage. Adams stumbled before falling to the turf and immediately grabbed his right knee.

He was initially evaluated in the blue medical tent before being carted back to the locker room.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed concern following the game, saying he was “crushed” for Adams and that Minnesota was “going to miss him.”

The specific nature of the knee injury has not yet been reported, but further testing confirmed that Adams will not return this season.

It’s a brutal setback for the 30-year-old, who signed with Minnesota just before the start of training camp.

Adams originally began working at linebacker after making the position switch with the Raiders last season. Minnesota eventually started giving him work at safety as well, with Adams receiving heavy first-team reps in three-safety packages during training camp.

The Vikings appeared prepared to use the former All-Pro in multiple roles throughout their defense.

Adams finally stayed healthy throughout the 2025 season. He appeared in all 17 games for the Raiders, recording 45 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and a forced fumble.

It marked the first time Adams played every game of a season since 2018 after injuries limited him.

Now his first season with the Vikings is over after only 11 preseason snaps.

Could Harrison Smith Return?

Adams’ injury could potentially reopen the door for a familiar face in Minnesota.

Even before Adams went down, there had been speculation that longtime Vikings safety Harrison Smith could return for a 15th NFL season.

Vikings LB Blake Cashman recently acknowledged that communication remained open regarding Smith’s future and said the veteran had earned the right to take his time making a decision.

With Adams now officially lost for the season, Minnesota suddenly has an even bigger hole in its secondary.

Whether that ultimately leads to a reunion remains to be seen, but bringing Smith back could make plenty of sense for a Vikings defense that just lost one of its most versatile veteran pieces.