This all but assures Minny of getting a top 5 draft pick.
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.
This all but assures Minny of getting a top 5 draft pick.
True. They enter the Reggie Bush (if he comes out) sweepstakes.
I think I'd take Leinart over Bush even if Bush did come out. Bush is so effective in college because he's significantly faster than everyone else. In the pros, he loses some of that advantage. He'll still be an awesome player in the pros, but I don't think he has the potential to make as big an impact as Leinart.
but with the big-ass contract Daunte has....what do you do with him?
They keep him...A GM would get fired for letting someone of his caliber go, only to start all over in developing another QB....Besides with a busted ass Bennet, Mewelde Moore, and Mr. Wizzinator himself, who wouldn't want Bush in the backfield?
....On a side note, maybe this means my Lions can actually win a game next week.
they should be able to...the Vikings are done this year. They might just lose out.
Man, tempting to get xtra picks & maybe a solid starter right now in a trade.
AZ still want Daunte?
How much is the cap expected to jump? Big time as I recall.
Call me a doubter, but Leinart just screams bust to me. Something about him just makes me think that he'll end up being a bust in the NFL. That team is talented as and I dunno something about it just seems bad for me.
Looks like we know where Vince Young will be playing next year
green bay or vikings should just tank
green bay should sit favre....
i don't care to search for it, but i'd like to remind Mr. Snyder that I BEGGED FOR HIM AND JOE TO TRADE ARRINGTON FOR THE VIKES#1...I KNEW the Vikes wouldn't be good this year, even with a healthy Culpepper, as he thinks he has to do everything and they do not rely on the running game consistantly...or at least the didn't. Now? Brad Johnson is not a bad QB.
A Superbowl winner and very efficient.
Maybe NOW, Tice will wake the up and learn he has to run the ball to win in this league.
Dayum...My Skins could have had that pick. I'm pissed...no not really...but dissappointed. Hopefully, I'm wrong and Lavar becomes more like Lewis, without the murder .![]()
Duff, your Niners should cover the spread vs. the Giants. I don't know if they win, but it could be closer than most expect.
I don't know who dallas plays...
but I do know the Skins will give Philly all they can handle and MAYBE, pull out the victory...we shall see...
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)