Jim

Kleinsasser

He has a partially torn ACL. Richard Owens will start for now, although Jermaine Wiggins will be in the mix once he returns from his own injury.

The Vikings are expecting Kleinsasser to break 500 yards receiving this season.

The team will not use their franchise tag again on the Kleinsasser. He’s shown flashes of fantasy potential, but has failed to be consistent in Minnesota.

Kleinsasser is believed to have a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Vikings originally said he’d be back in four weeks, but that estimate seems optimistic. He’s safe to drop in re-draft leagues. Jermaine Wiggins is starting in his place.

Coach Mike Tice sounded hopeful that Kleinsasser would be able to play this week. He’s not much of a fantasy option while injured, though.

Kleinsasser has struggled with knee problems in the past and struggled with groin problems this summer. We’ll let you know once we know more.

Kleinsasser will be listed as doubtufl this week while Minnesota decides what to do. Surgery is a possibility.

Kleinsasser is a champ of playing through injuries, but this was a torn ACL. It’s a big loss for the Minnesota short-passing attack.

There’s a chance he could require season-ending surgery.

The Vikings had interest in bringing back the 34-year-old impending free agent, but Kleinsasser wants to walk away “with two legs that work great and my head is still intact.” A team leader and plus blocker, Kleinsasser has 192 career receptions for 1,688 yards.