Vikings lose part of Williams Wall
The Minnesota Vikings will have to play their final two games (and possibly all of the postseason) without half of their “Williams wall” after it was determined that Pat Williams will miss 2-6 weeks with a broken right scapula in his shoulder.
The word on Pat Williams is not good for the Vikings.
The Pro Bowl nose tackle has a broken right scapula. Coach Brad Childress said that means Williams will be out from two to six weeks.
The scapula connects the arm bone (humerus) with the collarbone (clavicle), according to extensive internet research.
Williams suffered the injury in the third quarter of yesterday’s win at Arizona. He was playing under a court order that delayed the NFL’s four-game suspension, but now it appears he will at least miss the final two games of the regular season.
Considering Michael Turner the Falcons are coming to town, this isn’t good news for the Vikings. But with the way Jared Allen, Adrian Peterson and Tarvaris Jackson are playing, it might not matter much. Plus, Fred Evans has proved to be a solid backup and the Vikings started getting him more game-time reps when they thought both Williamses would be suspended.
Anthony — how much do you think this helps Turner this week? I benched him for Pierre Thomas thinking that Thomas’ matchup with Detroit is too good to pass up, but Turner has been solid all season so it’s tough to bench him.
Don’t give him any info, Anthony! Let’s just say that I wouldn’t mind seeing one of JP’s teams lay an egg this week.
Oh no! I have a conflict of interest here…
Well, Pat Williams is definitely the better run-stuffer between the two Williamses, but Evans is a proven backup and he should be fine.
JP – I’d start Turner over Thomas. Turner has been so good the past couple weeks and he’s the clear choice around the goal line. Even though Tampa is banged up at the moment, Turner rushed for 150 against the Bucs last week and managed to get in the end zone. The Saints are still going to give Bush plenty of opportunities to score and while Thomas has the better matchup, I think you still with the hot hand in Turner.
That’s a tough choice though.
I am leaning Pierre. Saying that he has the “better” matchup is an understatement. The Vikings are #1 in the league against the rush, and prior to the last couple of weeks, Turner hasn’t done very well against the best rush defenses. On the other hand, Detroit is dead last in rush defense and Reggie Bush is banged up. It’s a tough call due to Turner’s recent production, but Thomas is on fire and has an awesome matchup.
It’s not set in stone, but right now I have Pierre in my lineup. Besides, he told me that he really wants to stick it to his old team.
Not cool, JP.
Even worse is the fact that I heavily considered picking Pierre (back) up when news broke of McAllister’s possible suspension, but decided against it. Ten minutes later, he was on your team and now may lead you to the title over me.
Man, could I really be on the verge of losing three-straight championship games? I feel like the Bills.
I would say you are on the verge of winning one-straight, but I am by nature a pessimist.