By Andy Greder
St. Paul Pioneer Press
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Vikings appear to have lost another offensive playmaker for an extended period of time.
Kyle Rudolph, who was listed with an abdominal injury last week, hurt his groin late in Sunday's 20-9 loss to New Orleans, and the Associated Press reported he is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday on a sports hernia that is expected to keep him out of action for about six weeks.
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Coach Mike Zimmer said earlier in the day that that diagnosis was premature, but the Associated Press reported that the Vikings want to address the injury as soon as possible in hopes of getting Rudolph back for the second half of the season.
He will fly to Philadelphia on Tuesday morning for the surgery, which will be performed by Dr. William Meyers.
Zimmer called Rudolph's setback a "core injury." Meyers has expertise in sports hernias.
Rudolph said "something popped" after the game and that he had been dealing with it for awhile.
In addition to running back Adrian Peterson (legal issues) and quarterback Matt Cassel (foot), the Vikings now also will be without a downfield threat.
Rudolph had five passes thrown his way Sunday and three receptions for 27 yards before getting hurt on the final drive of the game. In three games, Rudolph has 10 receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown.
Rudolph, who signed a five-year contract extension in July, missed eight games in 2013 with a broken foot.
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