Report: Vikings OT Phil Loadholt out for season with torn Achilles

Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt reportedly tore his left Achilles during Minnesota's preseason opener.

An MRI showed that Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt sustained a torn left Achilles tendon during Minnesota's preseason opener, requiring season-ending surgery, according to ESPN's Ben Goessling.

Loadholt sustained the injury to his left leg on Minnesota's third play of Saturday night's 26–16 win over the Buccaneers. Minnesota ruled Loadholt out for the remainder of the game, and a sideline report on the team's broadcast said he was helped onto a cart by teammates with tears in his eyes while team medical staff tended to what appeared to be his left foot or ankle.

Broadcasters said Loadholt “knows it's something not good.” He was carted to the locker room with his left shoe off.

Loadholt, 29, has started for the Vikings every season since he was drafted in 2009, but missed the last five games of the 2014 season with a torn pectoral muscle.

During Saturday's game, Loadholt was replaced by rookie T.J. Clemmings, and it seems likely he will be given the opportunity to spell Loadholt for the remainder of the season.

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