Blair Walsh Hamstring Still An Issue

Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a 22 yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers as punter Jeff Locke (18) holds in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings kicker Blair Walsh is still struggling with an injury to his hamstring.  Although he played through the injury last week, Walsh’s hamstring has kept him from practicing this week.  The hamstring in question is part of his plant leg, which is used to help with power and accuracy on kicks.

Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at the Metrodome. The Texans won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

"“I might have to adapt somewhat, but I can handle any distance on field goals,” Walsh said Wednesday. “But I have such a violent approach using my body, in terms of generating power and leverage, that we’ll have to wait and see on kickoffs.”"

Last week against the Carolina Panthers, Locke took care of kickoffs for Minnesota.  He was effective, getting one touchback on this three attempts.  Walsh still handled the duties on kicking through the uprights, as he connected on a field goal from 22 yards as well as made an extra point after a touchdown.

Barring any further setbacks, Blair Walsh is fully expecting to be able to play, but if he can’t, rookie Jeff Locke will handle kicking duties.    The Vikings will be making their prime time debut on Monday Night when they face off against the winless New York Giants.