On the Vikings' official injury report submitted before their week two game against Chicago, injured defensive tackle was listed as "probable," meaning his chances of playing look good after missing the first game of the season against Detroit. The Vikings' defense struggled without former All-Pro Williams, surrendering 117 total rushing yards, which allowed the Lions to find an offensive balance that kept the Vikings guessing all game. With Williams back in the lineup rookie Shariff Floyd will likely see less snaps on the field. Floyd was by no means a liability out on the field against Detroit, but he finished the game without a tackle and he still has much to learn from Williams before assuming a larger role in this defense. Williams returning also means nose tackle Letroy Guion will return to his usual position, as he started in the under tackle role in Kevin Williams' stead in Detroit. Guion's play runs hot and cold and his talent does not warrant a larger role in the defense, so having him take a step back and returning to a larger rotation will help this defensive line.
Larry Dean, Erin Henderson, Phil Loadholt, Mistral Raymond, Josh Robinson and John Sullivan were also listed on the injury report for various ailments, and all were listed along with Williams as "probable." It's highly unlikely that any of them do not see the field Sunday, meaning the Vikings 53 man roster will have no players missing, except for suspended fullback Jerome Felton. This is especially good news for fans worried about the health of center John Sullivan, who suffered a knee injury on a low block by Lions' defensive tackle Nadamukong Suh on an interception return. Suh was largely criticized for the block, and the NFL fined him $100,000 this past week.
The Vikings will play another team at full strength Sunday, as the only two players listed on the Bears injury report are Julius Peppers and Charles Tillman, and it would be shocking if either did not suit up for Sunday.
No comments:
Post a Comment