Vikes' Pat Williams out 2-6 weeks

[555666]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams will miss anywhere from two to six weeks with a fractured shoulder.

Williams was hurt Sunday in a 35-14 rout of Arizona. It's a big blow to a Vikings defense that is second in the NFL against the run.

Williams is the emotional leader and chief run stopper on the line. The Vikings face the two best rushing teams in the league in Atlanta and the New York Giants in the final two games of the season as they push for the playoffs.

Backup Fred Evans will get most of the snaps in Williams' place. Coach Brad Childress says he is holding out hope that Williams will be ready if the Vikings qualify for the playoffs.

Williams has been playing because a federal judge in Minnesota issued an injunction blocking his league suspension for violating the substance abuse policy. Williams and linemate Kevin Williams are among five players challenging the suspensions because they say the product they were using, StarCaps, did not list a banned diuretic on its ingredients.

The diuretic, Bumetanide, can be used as a masking agent for steroids. Diuretics also aid in weight loss.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

for the record, looks nicer when you post a comment when you post a topic.

This is a huge blow to the Vikes. They got a tough road ahead of them, and their still close with the Bears. If they make the playoffs, they better hope Pat's better in 3 weeks.

 

[Lake Louise]

Definately a big blow to the Vikes. Pat & Kevin make up that D-Line, and with Pat gone, that`s quite the gap to have to fill for 2-6weeks. Vikes better hope it`s just 2 weeks, because it`s going to be an unhill battle for them to make the playoffs w/o Pat.

 

[MisterMischief]

All though Pat is a huge part of our team (no pun intended) we are playing GREAT football right now. We are in sync.