Barr likely to miss Vikings game vs. Jets

With rookie outside linebacker Anthony Barr officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New York Jets, second-year player Gerald Hodges will likely be the next linebacker up again.

Head coach Mike Zimmer indicated that Hodges will start at Barr's strongside linebacker position if the rookie's knee injury keeps him out. Earlier this season, Zimmer tabbed Hodges to fill in for weakside linebacker Chad Greenway when the veteran missed three games with broken ribs.

"I've proved to them already that I'm able to start and I'm able to fulfill the job," Hodges said.

Hodges recorded 16 tackles and broke up two passes in three games as Greenway's replacement. He was solid against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4 and the following week against the Green Bay Packers. But he struggled in pass coverage in the Week 6 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Since shifting back to a reserve role when Greenway returned, Hodges has made a positive impression on Zimmer with his work ethic and preparation.

"He's been doing a good job," Zimmer said. "He came in last week some when Anthony went out.

"He continues to study hard and practice hard, and he has a good attitude. He's a good fast-twitch athlete that has some strength to him."

Barr has blitzed nearly three times as often as Greenway has this season, according to Pro Football Focus. So sliding to Barr's strongside spot will require an adjustment — but not a major one, Hodges said.

"In this defense, there's not really a difference," Hodges said. "You're kind of doing the same jobs, depending on where you line up at and depending on the call. But mainly, it's the same two jobs."

Rookie running back Jerick McKinnon will miss his second consecutive game because of a lower back injury.

With McKinnon officially out, Zimmer said the Vikings will use the same approach they did a week ago when Matt Asiata, Joe Banyard and Ben Tate all got multiple carries against the Panthers.

Asiata led the Vikings with 52 yards on 14 carries. Banyard had 8 yards on two carries in the first half before botching a protection and watching the offense operate from the bench. Tate had 15 yards on five second-half carries, his first action with the Vikings.

"We do a temperature reading on the sidelines and last weekend it was 20 degrees warmer on our sideline than it was on the Carolina sideline," Zimmer boasted. "And the past three games, one was a 17-degree difference, one was a 15-degree difference and this last week was 20. The players thanked me for being on that side a couple of times."

The Vikings decided before the season to use the north sideline of the stadium because that side gets more sun.

The Gophers use the south sideline, but they must deal with warm weather early in the college season and their home slate typically wraps up in November.

• Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, who left the Panthers game early when his injured knee tightened up, practiced again Friday and is officially listed as probable.

• Rookie cornerback Jabari Price is doubtful with a hamstring injury.