Viking Linebacker May Miss Season

The Minnesota Vikings might have lost their leading tackler for the season Tuesday when Eddie McDaniel suffered a knee injury during the first practice in full pads.

McDaniel, an outside linebacker, led the NFL in tackles for losses the last two seasons. He had 19 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage last year, six more than his nearest competitor.

He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while making a tackle during training camp at Mankato, Minn. Although it is possible the knee could heal on its own within two to three weeks, the more likely scenario is that McDaniel will have surgery in mid-August. That almost certainly would cost him the season.

“There’s a strong possibility [he could miss the entire season],” trainer Fred Zamberletti said. “I never want to leave out that least percentage of hope, because I’ve seen people come back. We’re going to leave the door open for him. We’ll know in a couple of weeks.”

The Vikings were uncertain Tuesday how they would fill McDaniel’s spot. Earl Mackey is listed as McDaniel’s backup.

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The Philadelphia Eagles, in desperate need of a middle linebacker, signed 10-year veteran Joe Kelly to a one-year deal believed to be worth $320,000 plus incentives.

The 31-year-old Kelly, who played for the Green Bay Packers last season, signed after an impressive workout for the coaching staff Tuesday morning. He started four games for Green Bay last season.