Duff McCartney
10-31-2005, 06:05 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2209391
Culpepper tears ligaments in right knee
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- An already dire situation got worse for the demoralized Minnesota Vikings with confirmation Monday that quarterback Daunte Culpepper will miss the rest of the season with a devastating injury to his right knee.
Once the swelling subsides, the 28-year-old Culpepper will have surgery and several months of arduous rehabilitation. An injury of this nature typically takes a year to recover,but at least right now the Vikings are optimistic about his status for 2006.
"Our expectations are he's going to be ready for the season," athletic trainer Chuck Barta said.
Culpepper was hurt on the final play of the first quarter, when Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble hit him low at the end of an 18-yard run for a first down.
"I was right behind him, trailing it, and I saw it all happen," said center Melvin Fowler. "It's sad and unfortunate. He's a great player, and he'll be missed for the time that he's out."
Veteran Brad Johnson, who played for the Vikings from 1992-98 and returned to his original team this year, will be the starter. Untested Shaun Hill moves up to second string.
The Vikings (2-5) were widely considered one of the best teams in the NFC at the beginning of the year, but have had a miserable season. Still-unresolved allegations of sexual misconduct by several players on a boat party earlier this month darkened a season that was already deteriorating.
After watching offensive coordinator Scott Linehan leave, trading star receiver Randy Moss and losing injured Pro Bowl center Matt Birk for the season, a once-mighty offense has fallen hard. Culpepper has thrown a league-high 12 interceptions against only six touchdown passes, under constant pressure behind a leaky offensive line and bothered by pre-existing soreness in the knee.
Johnson is not nearly as nimble as Culpepper, but he has a Super Bowl ring and the respect of his team.
"The most important thing is just be yourself," he said. "You can't fake it. The proof is putting up points. The proof is winning ballgames."
This is the third time in six seasons as Minnesota's starter that Culpepper will be sidelined. In 2001, he missed the final five games of the year after surgery on a sprained left knee. In 2003, he sat out two games because of an injury to his lower back.
Culpepper tears ligaments in right knee
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- An already dire situation got worse for the demoralized Minnesota Vikings with confirmation Monday that quarterback Daunte Culpepper will miss the rest of the season with a devastating injury to his right knee.
Once the swelling subsides, the 28-year-old Culpepper will have surgery and several months of arduous rehabilitation. An injury of this nature typically takes a year to recover,but at least right now the Vikings are optimistic about his status for 2006.
"Our expectations are he's going to be ready for the season," athletic trainer Chuck Barta said.
Culpepper was hurt on the final play of the first quarter, when Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble hit him low at the end of an 18-yard run for a first down.
"I was right behind him, trailing it, and I saw it all happen," said center Melvin Fowler. "It's sad and unfortunate. He's a great player, and he'll be missed for the time that he's out."
Veteran Brad Johnson, who played for the Vikings from 1992-98 and returned to his original team this year, will be the starter. Untested Shaun Hill moves up to second string.
The Vikings (2-5) were widely considered one of the best teams in the NFC at the beginning of the year, but have had a miserable season. Still-unresolved allegations of sexual misconduct by several players on a boat party earlier this month darkened a season that was already deteriorating.
After watching offensive coordinator Scott Linehan leave, trading star receiver Randy Moss and losing injured Pro Bowl center Matt Birk for the season, a once-mighty offense has fallen hard. Culpepper has thrown a league-high 12 interceptions against only six touchdown passes, under constant pressure behind a leaky offensive line and bothered by pre-existing soreness in the knee.
Johnson is not nearly as nimble as Culpepper, but he has a Super Bowl ring and the respect of his team.
"The most important thing is just be yourself," he said. "You can't fake it. The proof is putting up points. The proof is winning ballgames."
This is the third time in six seasons as Minnesota's starter that Culpepper will be sidelined. In 2001, he missed the final five games of the year after surgery on a sprained left knee. In 2003, he sat out two games because of an injury to his lower back.