Jonathan Greenard injury update: Vikings star heads to locker room vs. Cowboys

Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard exited Sunday’s Week 15 road game against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter. Greenard suffered a shoulder injury and was ruled questionable to return, the Vikings announced.

Greenard hurt his shoulder while rushing Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The 28-year-old has been playing through a shoulder injury throughout the season. It caused him to miss a handful of games last month.

Greenard, the former Florida standout, is in his second season with the Vikings. Last season, he was a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career. He tallied 59 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles and three PBUs. Greenard finished 11th in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting.

This season has been a different story for Greenard. Battling through injury, he came into Sunday’s game with just two sacks and nine quarterback hits. But against Dallas, Greenard was effective. He sacked Prescott once and recorded three quarterback hits.

Jonathan Greenard plays big role in Vikings win over Cowboys

The Vikings defeated the Cowboys, 34-23, on Sunday Night Football. Greenard was a big part of Minnesota’s success on defense, though it was the offense which came to life.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy had one of his best games as a pro, completing 14-of-25 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He connected with wide receiver Jalen Nailor for both of his scores.

Minnesota has won back-to-back games following a four-game losing streak. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are now 6-7-1. Their slim playoff hopes have evaporated.