Help wanted: Vikings seeking experienced long snapper after Kevin McDermott injury

The Vikings are searching for a temporary long snapper after Kevin McDermott suffered a dislocated left shoulder in Saturday night's 16-0 victory at Green Bay, according to McDermott.

McDermott was injured on a punt just before halftime, after officials mistakenly moved the chains on an Adam Thielen catch that wasn't a first down. Quarterback Case Keenum's incompletion, thought by the Vikings to be on first down, was on third-and-1, which led to the punt.

"It was the punt that shouldn't have happened just before halftime," McDermott said Sunday. "I guess I have the refs to thank for that one."

McDermott, who said his left arm got "caught at the wrong angle" while he was blocking, had suited up in all 48 games since joining the Vikings three years ago. He will miss at least the season finale against the Bears while hoping to return for the playoffs.

"I'm not really sure what the timetable is," McDermott said. "But I'm hoping to come back."

Filling in at long snapper in Saturday night's second half was tight end David Morgan, who only recently stepped in for former backup Blake Bell, who was placed on injured reserve this month.

Morgan successfully snapped for three Ryan Quigley punts and two Kai Forbath field goals, but the Vikings will likely sign a more experienced replacement while McDermott is sidelined.

"We only have a couple days, so we're going to have to get it done," Forbath said. "We'll find out in the next few days what's going on. We did it with no reps with David, so we'll do it if we at least get a few days with the new guy — whatever we have."

Receiver Stefon Diggs now has at least five catches in three consecutive games after the Vikings featured him a little more in the offense against the Packers. Diggs had four catches for 49 yards and a touchdown by halftime. He later added an 11-catch catch.

"It just kind of happened that way kind of organically," Diggs said. "Throughout the week you never know how it's going to pop up, but I got some chances early."

The Vikings can clinch the NFC's No. 2 seed with a victory against the Bears next week. However, the top seed and home-field advantage are still in play if the Eagles lose to the Raiders on Monday night. Diggs said he will be watching.

"I watch all football," Diggs said. "Not necessarily just for the playoff implication, but every Monday, every Thursday, my TV is on football."

"Pretty much we just played good coverage on all of them," Zimmer said. "We did anticipate them going for fourth down quite a bit in the game. It's what happens when teams have nothing to lose."

Smith, otherwise known as the "Hitman," might bring the biggest hits in the Vikings secondary, but he's not standing out with his own merchandise. Smith, who wore a Latavius Murray-produced sweater on Sunday, has also previously worn "Rhodes closed" shirts from the line of Xavier Rhodes.

"I guess I should consult with these guys," Smith said. "We'll see."