Liputan6.com, Jakarta Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore suffered a significant injury to his left knee on August 9, 2025.
The incident occurred while returning a punt during a preseason game against the Houston Texans, requiring him to be carted off the field on a cart.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed the injury was serious and required further examination with an MRI to determine its severity.
Moore was visibly frustrated on the field, even hitting the cart and covering his head with a towel as he was being carried off.
This injury could potentially cost the Vikings one of their key contributors, particularly their primary punt returner, for an indefinite period.
Significant Knee Injury in Preseason
Rondale Moore's injury occurred in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Houston Texans.
While attempting to return a punt, Moore fell and lost weight on his left leg, indicating a serious knee issue.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote after the game, “On his first return, Texans linebacker Jamal Hill tackled him as he ran out of bounds after a 2-yard gain. In the process, Hill pulled Moore awkwardly over his left leg. Athletic trainers quickly brought out a cart. Moore’s frustration was evident; he slammed his hands so hard on the back of the cart that the sound could be heard throughout the stadium.”
After the game, Kevin O'Connell stated that Moore's injury had "some characteristics" of a hip-drop tackle, though he emphasized there was no malice on the part of the opposing player.
O'Connell's statement that the injury was "pretty significant" underscored the potential long-term impact on the player.
The obvious frustration displayed by Moore, who slammed the cart and covered his face, reflected the severity of this situation for his career.
Impact of Injuries on the Minnesota Vikings
Rondale Moore's injury comes at an inopportune time for the Minnesota Vikings, who were already facing depth challenges at wide receiver.
Moore's loss means the team must find alternatives for punt returners and receivers on the offensive line.
Justin Jefferson, the Vikings' star wide receiver, is recovering from a hamstring injury.
Additionally, talented young receiver Jordan Addison will serve a three-game suspension at the start of the season.
The combination of Moore's injury, Jefferson's recovery, and Addison's suspension puts significant pressure on the Vikings' wide receiver lineup.
Rondale Moore's Injury History and Career
Rondale Moore's current left knee injury comes almost exactly one year after he suffered another serious knee injury.
In August 2024, Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury while still a member of the Atlanta Falcons, tearing his ACL in practice.
After missing the entire 2024 season due to the injury, Moore signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason.
His move to the Vikings is expected to mark a new chapter in his career, providing an opportunity to return to playing after a lengthy recovery period.
Rondale Moore was the 49th second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
During his three seasons with the Cardinals, he recorded 135 catches for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns in 39 career games, showing his potential as a dynamic receiver before a series of injuries derailed him.