Pat Williams out 2-6 weeks

[December 16, 2008]  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. 

[Associated Press]

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