Vikings pick up Javon Walker, may lose Sidney Rice for half of the season

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

With the long-awaited return of Brett Favre last week, the Minnesota Vikings finally have their quarterback situation resolved.

Now if they could only say the same for their status at the wide receiver position, which grew even cloudier with the revelation by the Minneapolis Star Tribune that pro bowler Sidney Rice could miss half the season after undergoing hip surgery Monday.

Rice, who confirmed he underwent the procedure in a text message to the Star Tribune, has been on the physically unable to perform list since the beginning of training camp due to the injury he has said occurred during the NFC Championship in January.

Vikings receiver Percy Harvin also has medical issues, as he continues to battle the severe migraine headaches that have led him to miss most of camp.

The Vikings took a step to address their issues at wide receiver Tuesday by signing nine-year veteran Javon Walker, who played with Favre as a member of the Green Bay Packers from 2002-05.

Walker’s best season as a pro came in 2004, when he had career bests in yardage (1,382), touchdowns (12) and receptions (89).

-- Chuck Schilken

The Sports Network contributed to this report.