The Vikings beefed up their pass defense (last in the NFL in 2007) by signing free-agent safety Madieu Williams to a $33 million deal, but Minnesota will be without him for at least six weeks with a neck injury.
Williams missed the Vikings' preseason opener against the Seahawks last Friday with what the team called neck spasms. He wouldn’t disclose exactly what the injury was.
"I'm not allowed to discuss the condition of my injuries," Williams said. "I think that's something that you've got to talk to coach [Brad] Childress about, or the trainers."
Teams don’t have to disclose detailed injuries in the preseason.
In 49 career games, the 26-year-old Williams registered 290 tackles, four sacks and nine interceptions during his four-year tenure with the Bengals. He was brought in to start opposite veteran Darren Sharper and replace Dwight Smith, who was released after last season. But rookie Tyrell Johnson, the Vikings' top pick (second round) in April's draft, started in place of Williams on Friday against Seattle and figures to move into that role.
Sharper was expected to play more up in the box, but with the rookie playing aside him, Sharper might be asked to stay back in coverage more.Johnson suffered an abdominal strain against the Seahawks said he hopes to return to practice Wednesday and that he believes he will be able to play Saturday at Baltimore.
"I'm feeling a little better," he said. "Just taking it day by day. It's a real nagging injury. You've got to be patient with it."
Vikings coach Brad Childress said he doesn’t expect the team to look outside the organization to replace Williams. Minnesota’s first three games will all be challenges: Week 1 at the Packers (Green Bay is a 3-point favorite on WagerWeb.com), Week 2 vs. the Colts and Week 3 against Carolina.
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