Vikings Place Jordan Hicks on Injured Reserve After Compartment Syndrome Scare

Jordan Hicks has been one of the monumental reasons, outside of the arrival of new defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, for the 180-degree turnaround of the Minnesota Vikings defense this season.

Hicks rushed to hospital after Vikings win

On Sunday, however, Hicks went straight from the U.S. Bank Stadium field to a nearby Twin Cities hospital for something called “compartment syndrome’ (more below), which developed over the course of their win vs the New Orleans Saints, into an emergency that needed immediate medical attention.

Obviously, Hicks won't play this week vs. the Broncos, O'Connell said. But no immediate roster move with him yet. Hicks is a team captain and much loved by teammates and coaches. O'Connell said he hopes to visit him in the hospital today.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 13, 2023

The description for ‘compartment syndrome’ at American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is rather gut-wrenching to read. I can only imagine how brutal Hicks shin looked and felt, as he was rushed from the stadium to a hospital yesterday afternoon.

Related: Vikings Path to the Playoffs is Downhill, Freshly Paved and Wide Open

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells.

Compartment syndrome can be either acute (having severe symptoms for a short period of time) or chronic (long-lasting).

• Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency. It is usually caused by a severe injury and is extremely painful. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent muscle damage.
• Chronic compartment syndrome, also known as exertional compartment syndrome, is usually not a medical emergency. It is most often caused by athletic exertion and is reversible with rest.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Vikings place Jordan Hicks on injured reserve

On Tuesday, the Vikings officially placed Hicks on injured reserve, meaning he’ll be out for at least four weeks.

#Vikings have placed LB Jordan Hicks on IR.

RB Myles Gaskin has been signed to the practice squad and DL Michael Dogbe has been released from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/hOHqvhbw8T

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 14, 2023

Related: Kevin O’Connell for NFL Coach of the Year?

So if you were still scratching your heads about why the team signed Anthony Barr, now you know. We’ll see if he has anything left in the tank. If so, I’d expect to see him back in a Vikings uniform pretty soon.