Minnesota Vikings tight end Robert Tonyan was carted off the practice field due to back spasms, raising concerns about his health ahead of the preseason. Head coach Kevin O'Connell provided a hopeful update, indicating Tonyan's condition is manageable and that he could participate in upcoming preseason games. This injury comes at a challenging time for the Vikings, as star tight end T.J. Hockenson is also recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to miss several games at the start of the season. If Tonyan's injury proves serious, the Vikings' tight end depth would be significantly compromised, leaving them with limited options. The team is navigating a transition at quarterback, moving from Kirk Cousins to either Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy, making the tight end's role even more critical. The Vikings are in a precarious position as they prepare for the 2024 season, needing both tight ends healthy to support their new quarterback.