In the wake of all the playoff hoopla surrounding the Vikings seemingly imminent (famous last words, I know) clinching of the NFC North sometime during the next two weeks, news came down that DT Pat Williams suffered a fractured shoulder and will miss 2-6 weeks.
Now, I'm no doctor, but I do know that any fractured body part (especially one that gets as much work as a shoulder) is likely extremely painful and very weak. However, I am confident in the knowledge that Big Pat will be on the field the moment he knows he can stand the pain without rendering his arm lifeless. I mean, the humanity in me wants to say that Pat should just let the injury fully heal before hitting the line again, but I know he won't do that. Just look at the guy...he's pretty much an early heart attack waiting to happen already, so he has pretty much given his body to the game he loves already.
I think the Vikings will do better without the big guy than fans may think. One player (even one the size of Pat) does not a dominating defense make. Bring on Michael Turner and the Falcons this week...let them give us their best shot!
Keywords: Michael Turner, Minnesota Vikings, NFC North, NFL Playoffs, Pat Williams
