Vikings Pro Bowler Done for Season

Before the Dallas Cowboys kicked off to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in Week 15, Minnesota was already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

By the time it was over, the Cowboys’ may as well have been too, because the 34-26 loss to Minnesota pushed Dallas to 6-7-1 on the season. The Vikings’ win was about more than playing spoiler, however.

Sunday night, we also saw QB JJ McCarthy take a positive step in his development for the second-straight week. Which was undoubtedly the most important takeaway of the game for the Vikings.

Surgery coming for MN Vikings Jonathan Greenard

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all positive news leaving DFW Airport, however. During the win, Pro Bowl pass rusher Jonathan Greenard left early after aggravating a nagging shoulder injury he’s been dealing with for much of the season. Now, he’ll have season-ending surgery, meaning the snaps he played in Dallas were the last of his season.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides an update on Jonathan Greenard pic.twitter.com/aeUuyuDbD5

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 15, 2025

“Did want to update you on Jonathan Greenard. He aggravated that shoulder and we think it’s best to go ahead and get that thing fixed. He’ll have surgery here hopefully in the near future, and start that process of rehab.

I just want to say as a captain and as a leader on our team, he’s had a huge impact…I thought he played one of his best games yesterday before aggravating that shoulder.

What he’s meant to our team, and to me, specifically what he’s meant to our football team over these past two weeks, JG and his leadership, and his commitment to being a foundational player for us has been on full display. I’m just so proud of him.”

Kevin O’Connell

Against the Cowboys, Greenard picked up four tackles, one sack and three quarterback hits, before exiting with the injury. His pressure percentage was the best he’s had all year, but he was in for just 62.9% of the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive snaps.

Unfortunately, it has been a trying season overall for the 28-year-old veteran, who finished with just three sacks, after having 12 only a year ago, and making his first Pro Bowl. The Vikings signed Greenard to an extension over the offseason, meaning he’ll likely be back in 2026.

He has two years left on his deal, but Minnesota could move on this offseason with $9.9 million in dead cap if they so choose. Given the current state of the Vikings, it makes sense for Greenard to get his injury fixed and look towards next year.