Vikings Punter Kluwe to Miss Time

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, December 06, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota Vikings rookie punter Chris Kluwe was injured on two different occasions in Sunday's game against the Lions. Kluwe suffered a strained right knee and a severely sprained left ankle.

In the second quarter, with the Vikings punting from their own 24 yard line, long snapper Cullen Loeffler's snap sailed way over Kluwe's head. He ran down the ball inside the Vikings own 10 yard line, picked it up, and ran to his right punting the ball. He landed awkwardly on his knee and was visibly hurt as he limped off the field. The Vikings were flagged for an ineligible man downfield and Kluwe returned to the field to punt. His knee was bothering him and Kluwe's punt only traveled 37 yards.

Later in the game Kluwe was injured again. In the third quarter his day ended. He attempted a punt that traveled 41 yards; however, he was run into and had his ankle rolled over by the Lions' Vernon Fox in what the kicker thinks was a cheap shot.

Kluwe said, "Personally, I think it was a cheap shot. He didn't even dive across; he dove straight at me. What can I do? I'm in a vulnerable position. If a guy is going to do that, there is nothing I can do about it."

It's unfortunate for the Vikings as Kluwe has been tremendous punting the ball this season. His booming punts have provided the Vikings with the ability to win the field position battle, and have been instrumental in the improved special teams play this season. Field position has been big in the Vikings five game win streak. Luckily for the Vikings, his injury isn't thought to be too serious.

Head coach Mike Tice giving another one of his usual brief statements said, "He's out this week. That's all I know."

Tice and the Minnesota Vikings are now looking for a punter to fill in for a week or so. The likely candidates are former Vikings punters Darren Bennett, Leo Araguz, Eddie Johnson, and Travis Dorsch.

It sounds as though Daren Bennett could get the job if he wants it. Tice said, "He's got to decide if he wants to be one of the guys we look at. If he's not, he's not. If he is, he is. So we'll bring a couple, two, three maybe guys in and go from there. We'll have familiarity with all the guys we bring in."

Whoever it is, will only be a fill-in unless Kluwe's injury proves to be more serious than anticipated. It's a tough loss for Minnesota, but hopefully he will be back booming punts again the following week when the Vikings play the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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