Blair Walsh's miss did not impede the Vikings' ability to win Monday night, but it did not solidify his standing with the organization.
After missing his third field goal attempt of the season against the Giants, Walsh will keep his position as the Vikings kicker unopposed — for now, said coach Mike Zimmer when asked Tuesday if the team had made plans to bring in other kickers for tryouts.
"No, not yet," Zimmer said.
Since his 27-yard playoff miss that will live in Vikings infamy, Walsh has been off to a rocky start. His 46-yard miss wide left in the third quarter Monday night was the latest example. Walsh later was good from 44 yards, though his inaccuracies remained at the forefront. On the ensuing drive, Zimmer opted to punt instead of attempt a 56-yard field goal inside U.S. Bank Stadium, which would've tied Walsh's career long.
Walsh has made six of eight extra-point attempts and eight of 11 field goal attempts this season, giving him a conversion rate (72.7 percent) that ranks 28th in the NFL through four weeks. So it's been a gamble when the Vikings turn to their placekicker. While the reins are shortened, no heart-to-heart conversation will be had.
"I don't talk to [linebacker] Eric Kendricks when he makes a bad play," Zimmer said. "We correct it, and we move on. That's what we do here."
Sirles' door open?
Once again, the Vikings turned to Jeremiah Sirles after another injury forced change along the offensive line.
Sirles played most of the game at right tackle after Andre Smith was knocked out because of an elbow injury only six snaps into the game. Zimmer said Monday he did not have an update on Smith's injury. Smith said afterward he expects his elbow to be fine. In the meantime, Sirles could be an option to replace a struggling starter for an up-and-down line.