Eden Prairie, Minn. ? Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss will miss a game for the first time in his NFL career, sitting out Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts because of a strained right hamstring.

If Moss travels with the team to Indianapolis, he’ll sit upstairs in the coaches’ booth, Vikings coach Mike Tice said Saturday.

Moss was downgraded to doubtful on the injury report; his hamstring improved this week, but he has not practiced. The wide receiver was hurt shortly before halftime of the Vikings’ game on Oct. 17 at New Orleans, and he has played just 11 snaps during the last 10 quarters — with zero catches.

He has 26 receptions for 394 yards and eight touchdowns this season for the Vikings (5-2).

A seven-year veteran, Moss has had recurring ankle sprains throughout his career and was bothered by a sore foot at the end of last season. But he has played in every game — preseason, regular season and playoffs — for the Vikings since they drafted him with the 21st overall pick in 1998.

The team will re-evaluate Moss next week before making a decision about his availability for the Vikings’ game on Nov. 14 at Green Bay, but he’s not expected to be at full speed for another few weeks.

Ben Nelson will be active against the Colts (4-3) as the fourth receiver.