Vikings Linebacker Blake Cashman Out Several Weeks with Hamstring Injury

The Minnesota Vikings started their 2025 NFL season with a narrow victory over the Chicago Bears, highlighted by quarterback J.J. McCarthy's impressive debut. However, the team received disappointing news as linebacker Blake Cashman suffered a hamstring injury during the game, which is expected to sideline him for several weeks, potentially until after the team's Week 6 bye. Cashman, a key defensive play-caller and the heart of the Vikings' defense, had a career-best season previously with 112 tackles and 4.5 sacks, and his absence is likely to impact the defense significantly. Eric Wilson, who replaced Cashman in the game and performed admirably, is expected to take on an increased role in the linebacker unit. Last season, the Vikings' defense struggled notably in games Cashman missed, highlighting his importance to the team’s success. The Vikings will monitor Cashman’s recovery closely, and he may be placed on injured reserve to free up roster space during his absence.