EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Pat Williams is planning to play in January.
Minnesota's mammoth defensive tackle is out for at least the last two regular season games because of a broken bone in his right shoulder. But Williams said Friday he's feeling better after a rough couple of days following the injury.
He said team trainers are trying to get him ready for an early return, ideally for the Vikings' first playoff game if they qualify.
Offensive lineman Artis Hicks, who has a partially torn triceps muscle in his right arm, is listed as doubtful for Sunday. So is kickoff returner and reserve wide receiver Darius Reynaud, who has a sprained right big toe. Hicks has missed two of the last three games with the injury. If he can't go, Ryan Cook will start at right tackle again.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
