EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper had surgery Tuesday to repair three torn ligaments in his right knee.
Culpepper, who was hurt on a low hit after running for first down on Oct. 30 at Carolina, had the operation done by noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
The team said the surgery went as expected, and the three-time Pro Bowl pick is expected to be ready to participate in training camp next season — which means a recovery time of about nine months. Rehabilitation will begin immediately for Culpepper, who injured the anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in the knee.
"Daunte is the type of player who is going to work extremely hard to get back on the field," Vikings coach Mike Tice said. "He has the heart of a champion. His motivation to be the best will drive him as he works through this."
ROETHLISBERGER QUESTIONABLE: What doesn't look questionable about the Pittsburgh Steelers' injury-complicated quarterback situation is coach Bill Cowher's decision to keep not one, but two proven backups behind Ben Roethlisberger.
Cowher said Tuesday he won't know until later in the week whether Roethlisberger can play in Sunday's game at Baltimore. Roethlisberger, who is listed as questionable, has missed two games since having knee surgery Nov. 3.
If he can't play — and the Steelers are hopeful he can — then Tommy Maddox will be their third starting QB in four games.
"There is no defined starter right now," Cowher said.
Charlie Batch started and won the last two games in his first extended playing time in four years, but will sit out at least one game after breaking a bone in his right hand during a 34-21 victory over Cleveland on Sunday night. Batch played about as well as a backup can during the first half, completing 13 of 19 passes for 150 yards and breaking off a 15-yard run.
The Steelers want Roethlisberger to play against the Ravens (2-7) not only because he gives them the best chance of winning, but so he can get back to game speed before pivotal games against the Indianapolis Colts (9-0) on Nov. 28 and division rival Cincinnati (7-2) on Dec. 4. Roethlisberger hasn't played since a 20-19 victory over Baltimore on Oct. 31, undergoing arthroscopic surgery to clean up damaged cartilage in his right knee three days later.
The Steelers won't rush him back and possibly jeopardize his status for the final six weeks of the season.
MCNABB UNLIKELY TO PLAY AGAINST GIANTS: Donovan McNabb is unlikely to play in Philadelphia's game against the New York Giants on Sunday because of a groin injury.
"I wouldn't bet on it," Eagles coach Andy Reid said Tuesday when asked if McNabb could start. "He doesn't look good today."
McNabb injured his groin while trying to tackle Dallas' Roy Williams after throwing an interception. Williams returned the pick 46 yards for a touchdown with 2:43 left to lead the Cowboys to a 21-20 comeback victory over the Eagles on Monday night.
Reid said McNabb had an MRI on Tuesday morning, and was waiting to see a specialist. If McNabb doesn't play, Mike McMahon probably would start over Koy Detmer against the Giants.
McMahon, listed as the third-string quarterback, played the last series against Dallas, and drove the Eagles to the Cowboys 42 before David Akers missed a 60-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds.