Just came from a sitdown with Wild cach Todd Richards, and he confirmed news I heard from multiple sources today.
Wild center James Sheppard was in an ATV accident yesterday while training in Vail, Colo., and sustained a serious knee injury. Richards called it an injury to his kneecap. He's already had surgery and will miss up to four months.
This was to be an integral season for the maligned Sheppard. The fourth-year center was already on the bubble to make the team with last month's signing of veteran John Madden and the emergence of youngsters Casey Wellman and Cody Almond.
More later.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Sports
Carlos Alcaraz hits stunning shot before cramps; Novak Djokovic wins their French Open semifinal
Novak Djokovic used every bit of his experience, relentlessness and fitness to beat a cramping Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 at the French Open on Friday and move one win away from a record 23rd Grand Slam title.
Vikings

Dalvin Cook released by Vikings after six seasons
The Vikings could not trade the four-time Pro Bowler and decided to release him in order to free up salary cap money. The move also marks a change in priorities for the team's offense.
Sports
Champions League final: Haaland and Martinez could hold keys to victory for Man City, Inter Milan
While Erling Haaland is feeling the weight of expectations ahead of Saturday's Champions League final, Lautaro Martinez is aiming to complete a spectacular double, six months after winning the World Cup with Argentina.
Sports
LPGA Tour left out of LIV Golf deal but some women would listen if offer made to them
Greg Norman tantalized the best women golfers in the world with a big-bucks flicker of hope that, they too — possibly anyone from a former world No. 1 like Nelly Korda to Stanford phenom Rose Zhang — could eventually revel in the spoils offered by Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
Sports
UConn students getting expelled for vandalism that followed team's NCAA championship
Some University of Connecticut students are getting expelled for vandalizing their campus following their basketball team's April 3 victory in the NCAA championship game, a university spokesperson said Friday.