Vikings RT Loadholt suffers season-ending injury in preseason win

Minnesota Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt suffered a torn Achilles in the first series of Saturday's preseason win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sidelining him for the season.

Sources said preliminary tests showed a torn left Achilles tendon, which happened during the second play of the series. Rookie fourth-round pick T.J. Clemmings came in to replace him, likely for the rest of the year. Loadholt, 29, signed a 4-year, $25 million contract in 2013 and is due $6 million per his deal with the team through next season, plus a $500,000 roster bonus in March.

"It's disappointing for Phil because he's worked so hard," head coach Mike Zimmer said at a post game press conference.

Zimmer remains undefeated as head coach in the preseason after Saturday's 26-16 win over Tampa Bay.