Vikings McKinnon sidelined for Sunday's game

The Vikings will be without one of their running backs again on Sunday.

Officially listed as "doubtful," rookie Jerick McKinnon said he will be held out against the Panthers because of a lingering lower back injury. He played through the injury over the past two games but didn't practice all week. He has been listed on the injury report since Nov. 13.

McKinnon said it's nothing he can't play through, but he's taking precautions this week based on the Vikings training staff's advice.

"It's going to be hard standing on the sidelines not being able to play in the game," McKinnon said. "I know that Matt [Asiata], Joe [Banyard] and all the other guys are going to do the job, do what's best for the team and lead us to victory."

It's unknown who will start for McKinnon. Asiata will be the likely candidate given his experience in the system, but Banyard had an impressive outing in a limited role against the Packers last Sunday. He finished with five carries for 26 yards and three receptions for 19 yards in a 24-21 loss. Ben Tate, claimed off waivers from Cleveland last week, is another possibility.

Asked about the possibility of an expanded role, Banyard said, "I hope so, but we'll see. Whatever the game plan is, or what it turns out to be, I'll try to contribute in any way possible."

With the debate raging earlier in the week about whether the Vikings should've attempted an onside kick with 3:28 left against the Packers, kicker Blair Walsh said the Vikings called for a "bloop" kick.

"You're not in that situation much, but we've practiced it," Walsh said. "I've got to execute it a little bit better next time. Obviously, we're not upset that they get the ball at the 20. A touchback isn't bad, but we wanted them to kind of want to take it. I've got to do a little bit better job."

Wide receiver Greg Jennings was selected as the team's 2014 Ed Block Courage Award recipient, given annually to one player on every NFL team who "exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage."

Jennings was picked by his teammates for the work he's done through the Greg Jennings Foundation in both the Twin Cities and his hometown of Kalamazoo, Mich.

"To whom much is given, much is required," Jennings said. "What I do on the football field has given me a platform to impact lives, to give people options and create a possibility of something different, something more, another avenue."

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera told reporters that former Vikings offensive lineman Mike Remmers will make his first career start. He will be slotted at right tackle to face Vikings defensive end Brian Robison.

Remmers joined the Vikings last season, bouncing back-and-forth from the practice squad and active roster. He was one of the final preseason cuts and was released from the Vikings practice squad before the season. The Panthers signed Remmers off the Rams practice squad last month.