Minnesota Vikings' Linval Joseph sustained a minor injury after a stray bullet hit his calf in a nightclub in Minnesota on Friday night.
The team announced the news in a statement, and per ESPN, Joseph was an innocent bystander who caught the stray bullet. He has been treated at a hospital and released on Saturday.
"The entire Vikings organization is extremely thankful that Linval was not seriously hurt, and our thoughts are with all of the victims of this shooting. The team will defer any further comment to the Minneapolis Police Department during its ongoing investigation," the Vikings said in their statement.
A source also confirmed to ESPN that Joseph was with his teammates during the time of the incident. He will be back with the team on Sunday and should be sidelined in around two weeks.
The Star Tribune of Minneapolis, as quoted by ESPN, said the gunman also hurt nine people.
The Vikings had just defeated the Oakland Raiders on Friday night in a preseason home game, 10-6. Joseph played nine snaps with the first team defense of the Vikings. Many expect him to start at nose tackle.
Joseph and the Vikings agreed to a five year deal worth $31.25 million last March, with the team looking to shore up its run defense that has turned sour after Pat Williams left them after the 2010 season. Joseph began his career with the New York Giants, starting in 46 games and averaging 55 tackles over the past three years. He was likewise part of the 2011 Super Bowl championship team.
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