Vikings coach says there was no ill intent behind Jay Ward’s hit on Zach Ertz

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said he reached out to Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz on Sunday night after the Vikings’ 31-0 win in which Ertz suffered a season-ending knee injury while taking a low hit from safety Jay Ward in the third quarter.

O’Connell defended Ward’s hit on Ertz. Ward hit Ertz’s right leg as the 35-year-old veteran leaped for a pass from Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. Washington coach Dan Quinn told reporters Monday that Ertz will miss the rest of the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

“Hate seeing those things happen,” O’Connell said Monday. “Just wanted to connect with [Ertz] a little bit. ... Always thought the absolute world of him as a player.”

“I know for a fact there was no bad intent behind that play,” he added. “Things are happening fast out there. You got to be very aware of where a guy’s head and neck area are on those plays.”

Tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered two torn knee ligaments at the end of the 2023 season when Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph hit him low. Hockenson was injured like others before him with his leg planted in the turf, but Ertz’s catastrophic injury happened as Ward hit him in the air.

O’Connell said he understands the constraints with which NFL defenders must operate by not hitting receivers in the head and neck areas, which can push their tackling aim to the lower body.

“It’s the worst part of our game,” O’Connell said of injuries, “and in many ways I do believe it’s unavoidable.”

Ward was on the wrong end of a 28-yard pass to Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, but he also was physical on the perimeter. He helped stall a 2-yard screen to Washington running back Jeremy McNichols in the first quarter.

Ward, who played both safety and corner at Louisiana State, played 36.5% of the Vikings’ defensive snaps against Washington, which is around his season high of 37.3%. He also has played the fourth-most special teams snaps on the team.

“Being able to fit in where a guy wouldn’t normally be able to,” safety Josh Metellus said, “and still be [a leader] on special teams. It’s been nice to see his development, stepping up into roles and getting more on his plate.”

Rodgers still had a prominent role with three tackles in 39 defensive snaps (75%).

Left tackle Christian Darrisaw has been in and out with knee and foot injuries. Center Ryan Kelly has missed time because of concussions. Right tackle Brian O’Neill has played through a knee injury.

“For having worked through an injury that might hold guys out for a couple weeks, two, three weeks maybe,” O’Connell said, “he would not be denied playing in the football game. Did everything he possibly could and then played well.”

Running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason combined to average over 5 yards per carry, while quarterback J.J. McCarthy often had ample time to throw against a forgiving Commanders defense.

“We were consistently getting some knock-back into the defensive front,” O’Connell said. “There were some really great examples of protection. Those guys working together even though a lot of their time on task together has come on the practice field and not necessarily in any one of our games up until this point.”

The Vikings (5-8) opened as six-point underdogs for Sunday night’s game at the Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1). Minnesota can be eliminated from postseason contention before kickoff, per ESPN’s playoff simulator, if the Chicago Bears (9-4) beat the Cleveland Browns (3-10).

Playing for pride and teammates became a locker room chorus as losses mounted. Love of the game was also part of O’Connell’s speech to the team last week, said outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.