Vikings star DE Jared Allen potentially sidelined with ankle injury

Short of an injury to All-World running back Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings can’t afford an injury to any player less than their start defensive end, Jared Allen.

Unfortunately for Minnesota, Allen has reportedly sustained an ankle injury, and the severity of the issue is still up in the air. The mishap reportedly (according to multiple outlets) occurred during Tuesday’s training camp practice, and he was seen visibly favoring the ankle. Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier offered this less-than-comforting sound byte to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

"“We’ll look it over and determine whether or not we need to do an MRI”"

While NFL coaches are basically paid to give ominous quotes, the lack of assurance from Frazier on the injury isn’t encouraging. With that said, however, Allen has been a physical animal throughout his time in Minnesota, and Vikings fans can rest assured that he’ll play at maximum effectiveness if he is at all physically able. They are in desperate need of Pro Bowl-level production from Allen, and his 8-figure salary indicates that as well as the lack of assistance (on paper) that he has on the defensive side of the ball.

We likely won’t know the full status of Allen’s ankle until an MRI is performed, but that sound you will hear until that information arrives is the entire Minnesota Vikings fan base holding their breath.