UPDATE: Locke has, in fact, returned to punting duties, as he blasted a 55-yarder early in the third quarter. My apologies to anyone I may have caused to panic with the initial report.
UPDATE: Locke was back in as the holder on Blair Walsh's 45-yard field goal in the second quarter, so maybe he's back after all. Remain calm, all is well, etc.
UPDATE: Indications are that the injury to Jeff Locke is a right ankle injury. His return is questionable, but he is apparently out and about on the Vikings' sideline.
After what has been a fairly successful preseason for him, Jeff Locke. . .the Minnesota Vikings' much-maligned punter. . .suffered an injury in Saturday's preseason contest.
In the second quarter of the preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, Locke went back to punt and landed awkwardly after Minnesota's Eric Kendricks and Dallas' J.J. Wilcox got underneath him and caused him to land incorrectly. Locke immediately grabbed at his right leg. . .his non-kicking leg (remember, Locke is left-footed).
Because of a penalty on Kendricks on the play, the Vikings had to re-punt the football, and kicker Blair Walsh came in to perform the duties in Locke's place. He actually got a pretty nice punt away, as he booted a 60-yarder, but the coverage team allowed a 50-yard return, meaning the difference in field position was only ten yards.
We'll have more on Jeff Locke's status as more information becomes available. However, if it's anything serious, the Vikings may have to look for a new punter and field goal/extra point holder. Here's hoping it isn't anything too serious.