Three Vikes To Sit Today

As the Vikings resume practice today, there will be changes in the routine, but there will be three players sitting out.

At this time of year every team has injuries. A year ago, the Vikings had been ravaged by injuries that had several starters sidelined. But, in hopes of having players available for the game Sunday, coach Mike Tice is taking precautions with three key players.

Linebacker Greg Biekert, safety Ronnie Bradford and running back Moe Williams are all going to be held out of today's practice to rest injuries. Biekert remain in an immobilizing boot, while Williams is trying to come back from a heel injury he aggravated on a 44-yard run Sunday vs. Green Bay.

Tice is hopeful all three can play Sunday, but doesn't want to take any chances on making a bad situation worse in practice. All three are likely to be listed as questionable or even doubtful for Sunday, but the team is cautiously optimistic about all three playing vs. New Orleans.

WEDNESDAY NOTES
* The Vikings are shaking up their practice routine today after continued problems on special teams haunt the team. The Vikings have had problems on special teams all season, ranging from blocked kicks to blocked punts to poor coverage. The special teams unit is expected to practice at full speed in pads today -- a rarity for special teams work at this time of the season. A blocked extra point Sunday was critical in the final minutes of Sunday's loss, since it forced the Vikings to go for a game-winning touchdown instead of potentially a game-tying field goal.
* The Vikings made some roster moves Tuesday. The team signed G/C Michael Early, who had been on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. To make room for him on the 53-man roster, the team cut DT Cedric Killings. The Vikings also signed RB Larry Ned to the practice squad and released OL Kenny Sandlin and WR LaVell Boyd. The team currently has one open spot on the practice squad.
* Michael Bennett and Deuce McAllister are currently ranked Nos 1 and 2 in the NFC in rushing. McAllister's 1,176 yards give him a 62-yard lead over Bennett in the NFC rushing title race.
* The league may want to consider returning the Vikings to more prime time games. The Vikes-Green Bay game Sunday drew the highest Sunday night rating since Week 2 for ESPN.