The road ahead of Henderson

Injuries are a part of the NFL. But linebacker E.J. Henderson's fractured femur was a gruesome one that ends his season and could threaten his career. It was reminiscent of cornerback Charles Gordon, who broke his leg on a punt return last season against the Green Bay Packers. Gordon tried to return for this season, but he could not recover enough to make the Vikings roster, and he remains a free agent. Henderson signed a five-year, $25 million contract that included $10 million in guarantees in December 2006. Henderson played at a Pro Bowl level in 2007, when he had 118 tackles and 4.5 sacks. But, after another strong start, he missed the final 12 games of the 2008 season because of dislocated toes. Depending on his ability to recover, the Vikings may have a tough decision to make. He made $3.2 million this year. But his base salary jump to $4.1 million in 2010 and $4.7 million in 2011, his last of the current deal. But his 2010 and 2011 base salaries are not guaranteed. ...