Culpepper Is Out for Season

The Minnesota Vikings got confirmation Monday that quarterback Daunte Culpepper will be lost for the season because of torn ligaments in his right knee suffered in the Vikings’ 38-13 loss to Carolina on Sunday.

“This is just another hurdle we have to overcome,” Coach Mike Tice said.

Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was injured Sunday on the final play of the first quarter, when cornerback Chris Gamble hit him low at the end of an 18-yard run for a first down.

Culpepper will have surgery when the swelling subsides. The Vikings are optimistic about his status for 2006.

“Our expectations are he’s going to be ready for the season,” trainer Chuck Barta said.

Brad Johnson, 37, who played for the Vikings from 1992-98 and returned to his original team this year, will be the starter. Untested Shaun Hill moves up to second-string.

Culpepper, 28, finishes with six touchdown passes, a league-high 12 interceptions and a passer rating of 64.4. Last season, he threw for 4,717 yards and 39 touchdowns with 11 interceptions and had a rating of 110.9. He set an NFL record for combined yardage passing and rushing.

Culpepper was unavailable for comment.

“His spirits are OK,” Tice said. “I think that is the best you can say.”