Matt Kalil Questionable For Monday Night
By Adam Carlson
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) meets with his brother Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) after the game at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings could be missing another key component to their team on Monday night if left tackle Matt Kalil is unable to go. Kalil was the number four overall draft pick for Minnesota back in 2012 and was instantly plugged into the lineup as a rookie. Since then, he as acted as a bookend for the offensive line along with fellow offensive tackle Phil Loadholt.
Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) smiles after the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Vikings won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Kalil’s status for Monday night is in jeopardy while he struggles with an injury to his lower back. He missed practice on Friday and Saturday but likes his chances of being available for the game on Monday.
"“If it keeps progressing, I’m pretty confident,” Kalil said on Saturday."
If Kalil can’t go on Monday, the Vikings are limited in their options as to who to plug in in his place. The Vikings acquired J’Marcus Webb from the Chicago Bears this offseason and he could be an option. Webb feels like he can be effective if called upon to play:
"“I feel real comfortable. This is going into Week 7, I think. I’ve gotten more comfortable with these guys after the first couple weeks. Things like that happen. You’ve got to be ready when you’re called upon,” Webb said. “I don’t think I’ve completely became the player I want to be. Of course, I’m still young and I want to learn and keep working and keep learning my position and be able to collaborate with my other fellow guys on the line to be a good unit. Me personally, I’m focusing on my body staying healthy and being strong.”"
Another option is Charlie Johnson moving back to the left tackle position until Kalil can return to health. Johnson played that position for the Vikings fro 2011 until the Vikings drafted Kalil.
For now, Kalil will keep hopeful about playing on Monday night against the New York Giants. He should be a game time decision.