Minnesota Vikings

Report: Vikings S Exum to miss 2-3 weeks with rib, shoulder injuries

Published Dec. 8, 2015 11:48 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Minnesota Vikings are hurting badly at safety.

With Harrison Smith (hamstring/knee), Andrew Sendejo (knee) and Robert Blanton (knee) all banged up, now Antone Exum Jr. is expected to miss some time. The second-year safety is "likely" miss two-three weeks with a fractured rib and an injured AC joint, according to ESPN's Ben Goessling.

Exum's injury occurred during the first quarter of the Vikings' 38-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but he displayed great toughness by staying in the game. He finished with five tackles (all solo) and a forced fumble.

Exum, a sixth-round pick in last year's draft, has started each of the past two weeks. With injuries mounting at the position, the Vikings will need to get creative. Veteran cornerback Terence Newman can step in and play safety in a pinch; there's also undrafted rookie Anthony Harris waiting to be called up from the practice squad.