All summer, national soccer teams played on a grass field within MetLife Stadium during the World Cup. In the second NFL game back on the field’s usual artificial turf surface, a player suffered a non-contact injury.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jamal Adams suffered a knee injury during his team’s preseason opener against the New York Giants, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game. O’Connell said the injury was “not good” and did not provide additional details.

Adams was tracking Giants receiver Calvin Austin while playing in coverage on a second-and-12 play when the injury happened. While following Austin’s sprint across the width of the field, Adams stumbled and fell forward. After hitting the ground, he immediately rolled over onto his backside and grabbed his knee.

Adams went to the blue medical tent on the Vikings’ sideline after the play. After an initial evaluation in the tent, Minnesota’s medical staff carted him back to the locker room.

Adams, who began his career as a safety for the New York Jets, converted to linebacker last year with the Las Vegas Raiders. He played in all 17 games for Las Vegas last year – his first time playing every game in a season since 2018 – and recorded 45 tackles, five tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and a sack.

The nine-year NFL veteran signed with the Vikings on July 28. Minnesota also lists Adams’ position as linebacker on its official roster.

Jamal Adams injury update

The Vikings have not provided any official update on Adams’ status since the end of the game.

O’Connell told reporters that initial examination on the linebacker’s right knee injury “does not look good.” Adams will get an MRI to determine the extent of his injury.

“We are going to wrap our arms around him top to bottom in our organization, and we’re going to support him,” O’Connell said, “because he’s earned a lot of people’s respect in a very short amount of time. That’s what he deserves, and I know that’s how our coaches and players feel.”

MetLife Stadium turf injuries

Adams is the latest victim of a non-contact injury suffered from the turf at the home of the Giants and Jets. Here’s a list of some of the other players who sustained their own injuries at MetLife in recent years:

• New York Giants WR Malik Nabers: Torn ACL, 2025
• Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips: Torn Achilles, 2023
• New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: Torn Achilles, 2023
• Baltimore Ravens CB Kyle Fuller: Torn ACL, 2022
• Giants WR Sterling Shepard: Torn ACL, 2022
• Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson: Torn ACL, 2022
• San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa: Torn ACL, 2020
• 49ers DL Solomon Thomas: Torn ACL, 2020

Contributing: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz