Vikings could replace injured Blackmon with Ahkello Witherspoon

“Witherspoon has struggled to stay off the injured list for most of his time in the NFL, which could explain why he’s still available in free agency,” Holder wrote. “However, he’s coming off a career year with (3) interceptions and 14 passes defensed. Those numbers are tied for most … of his career, considering he’s finally played a full year of games.”

Mekhi Blackmon injury hurts Vikings’ second rotation

GettyCornerback Mekhi Blackmon of the Minnesota Vikings.

Defensive back Mekhi Blackmon, a third-round pick of the Vikings in the 2023 NFL draft, suffered a knee injury during practice on July 24 that will likely cost him his entire sophomore season.

“#Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL during the first practice of training camp today, according to a source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported via X“A tough blow for Minnesota and Blackmon, who played in 15 games (three as a starter) last season as a rookie.”

Minnesota’s depth chart was not yet set when Blackmon was injured, though it was likely the 25-year-old would be inserted as a second option at that position (at worst) in a rotation that still features Byron Murphy Jr., newcomer Shaquill Griffin and Akayleb Evans.

Former Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, a fourth-round pick in April, also had a chance to compete for snaps in the secondary when he entered training camp. Jackson, however, tragically passed away in a car accident on July 6 in his home state of Maryland.

Ahkello Witherspoon can provide Vikings with depth and experience in the second division

GettyCornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams.

Former second-round pick (2022) Andrew Booth Jr. is the most likely candidate to move to the fourth spot in Minnesota’s cornerback rotation despite failing to live up to his draft position over the past two years in the NFL.

He played in just six games during his rookie campaign due to a meniscus injury and started just one game in 2023. In total, Booth has played just 256 defensive snaps during his professional career.

Given Booth’s lack of success and the team’s lack of depth at the position, Witherspoon could be a good option for a short-term, affordable contract. Between his stints in the NFC West with the 49ers and Rams, Witherspoon played two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

During his seven years in the league, Witherspoon has defended 49 passes, recorded 11 INTs, forced 1 fumble and scored a defensive touchdown.