Vikings' Reed inactive for title game

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Saturday January 16, 1999 10:16 AM

Reed underwent surgery in November to repair a herniated disc before working his way back to the lineup in Sunday's win over Arizona Matthew Stockman/Allsport

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings once again have lost receiver Jake Reed to an injury and also may not start Pro Bowl defensive lineman John Randle in Sunday's NFC championship game.

Reed was ruled inactive Friday for the game against the Atlanta Falcons. He injured a hamstring in last weekend's win over Arizona, his first game after missing five weeks with a back injury.

Reed had little impact in the 41-21 victory over the Cardinals, and the Vikings have averaged better than 41 points in the six games since he had back surgery in late November.

Second-year receiver Matthew Hatchette, who filled in capably while Reed was out during the regular season, will move into the third receiver role behind Cris Carter and Randy Moss.

Randle said Friday that his hyperextended left knee is still bothering him enough that he might not start against Atlanta.

"I guess Stalin Colinet will play probably the first quarter, the second quarter, and maybe I'll just kind of work myself into the game. I may play some nickel situations in the first quarter. It just depends on the situation," Randle said.

Randle, the Vikings sack leader with 10 1/2, hasn't missed a start since Nov. 22, 1992, a string of 107 consecutive games. He injured his knee on the final play of Minnesota's 41-21 playoff victory over Arizona last Sunday.

Randle missed practice Wednesday and wore a knee brace during practices Thursday and Friday.

Another Minnesota starter, free safety Orlando Thomas, has been limited in practice this week because of a hamstring injury but also is expected to play.

Thomas is only about 80 percent healthy and estimated Thursday that he would need to reach 90 percent to be able to play Sunday.

The Vikings' other inactives Friday included one mild surprise. Backup linebacker Kivusama Mays, a rookie who has been a key special teams player, was scratched. So were fourth-string quarterback Todd Bouman and reserve offensive lineman Chris Liwienski.

 

Related information
Stories
Inside the NFL Playoffs with Pat Kirwan: There's no stopping Vikings' offense
Multimedia
Click here for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.

© 2003 SportsTicker Enterprises, LP