Vikings’ Reed Has Back Surgery

Minnesota Viking wide receiver Jake Reed will probably sit out the rest of the regular season after undergoing back surgery, although he could be back for the playoffs, the team said.

Reed has a lumbar disk problem in his back which is pinching a nerve and causing leg problems. He complained about a lack of strength in his left calf after the first half of Sunday’s 28-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Reed wanted to have the surgery, which will likely sideline him for four to six weeks, as soon as possible so he could return for the playoff.

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After meeting Tuesday with a hand specialist, New England Patriot quarterback Drew Bledsoe learned he won’t need surgery on the right index finger he fractured in two places during Monday night’s winning drive against the Miami Dolphins. He might be able to play Sunday against Buffalo. . . . Redskin linebacker Ken Harvey will undergo surgery for a knee injury suffered Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. . . . New York Giant defensive tackle Keith Hamilton, arrested for speeding and drug charges several hours after the team’s victory over Philadelphia on Sunday, is practicing. Police said they clocked the player driving at 71 mph on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge, which is posted at 45 mph, and that they found a bag of marijuana in his pocket.