Vikings' Jordan Hicks Undergoes Procedure to Treat Shin Injury

Hicks was transported to the hospital following Sunday's game.

Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks was taken to a local hospital following Sunday's game against the Saints, where he had a procedure to address the swelling in his shin.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell said that Hicks developed compartment syndrome after significantly bruising his shin. If not treated quickly and correctly, it could've become a much more serious issue. Hicks remained in the hospital on Monday for precautionary reasons and will miss at least one game, if not more.

Here's how WebMD defines compartment syndrome:

Compartment syndrome occurs when excessive pressure builds up inside an enclosed muscle space in the body. Compartment syndrome usually results from bleeding or swelling after an injury. The dangerously high pressure in compartment syndrome impedes the flow of blood to and from the affected tissues. It can be an emergency, requiring surgery to prevent permanent injury.

It sounds like the surgery Hicks received to relieve the pressure in his shin went well and he avoided any long-term complications. Still, he's not expected to play this Sunday against the Broncos and could be looking a multi-game absence.

That's a big loss for the Vikings' defense. Hicks is a captain, one of the team's emotional leaders, and also one of their most important players. He wears the green dot and relays defensive play calls from coordinator Brian Flores to his teammates before each snap. Hicks is the Vikings' leading tackler and has an interception, a sack, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown this season.

When Hicks left Sunday's game, rookie Ivan Pace Jr. took over duties as the hub of communication for the Vikings' defense. He's in line to hold that responsibility and see a major increase in playing time for as long as Hicks is out. Troy Dye, Brian Asamoah II, and Nick Vigil are also candidates to see defensive snaps in Hicks' absence.

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