Vikings lose TE Ellison to season-ending knee injury

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison is done for the season with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee that will require surgery and a six-month recovery.

Coach Mike Zimmer revealed the timetable for Ellison, a key run blocker and a reliable receiver on the limited occasions the ball has been thrown his way. He has lined up as a fullback at times, too, making him one of the most versatile players in the offense.

He’ll be missed when Minnesota hosts Seattle on Sunday in a wild-card game.

“It’s huge. He’s a heck of a player. He’s a great leader. He does the dirty work that nobody else can do,” wide receiver Adam Thielen said Monday. “He’s a tough guy to replace, but we’ll do our best.”

Kyle Rudolph is the primary tight end, but the Vikings have frequently used formations with two or three tight ends. Ellison’s absence for the playoffs, then, will elevate the role of rookie MyCole Pruitt, a fifth-round draft pick from Southern Illinois.

“MyCole can do quite a bit that Rhett does. There’s something that Rhett obviously does better than MyCole, but there’s some things that MyCole does better as well,” Zimmer said. “So we’ll just have to look at that mix and see how we can kind of adapt.”

Ellison has 458 yards and three touchdowns receiving over four years since being drafted in the fourth round from USC. His rookie contract will expire in March.

Running back Adrian Peterson missed part of the game at Green Bay because of lower-back spasms, but he returned to action and said he’d play against the Seahawks. Peterson, who played in all 16 games this season for the fourth time in his nine-year career, had X-rays done on his spine that showed no damage.

“It’s a little tight, but I’ll be OK,” he said after the Vikings beat the Packers 20-13 to win the NFC North division.

Thielen left the game at Green Bay after aggravating an injury to his left shoulder, leaving his status in question this week. The backup and special teams standout had two key carries for 67 yards, including a 41-yard gain on a fake punt in the first quarter that set up a field goal.

The defense, beat up a bit down the stretch, is healthier now. Vikings nose tackle Linval Joseph has missed four of the last five games with a toe injury, the biggest reason for concern on that side of the ball.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.