http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/1792 Recent articles about Ray Edwards en-us New Vikings safety Madieu Williams may miss up to six weeks with a bad neck. Williams was kept out of the preseason opener against Seattle with what were termed neck spasms - I guess the spasms haven't stopped spasming. Williams himself could offer no elaboration on the injury: I'm not allowed to discuss the condition of my injuries. I think that's something that you've got to talk to Coach [Brad] Childress about, or the trainers. Maybe he needs one of those neck-supporting pillows. Or a nice rubdown from a Geisha girl. A six week injury would mean no Williams for the first three games of the regular season. Rookie Tyrell Johnson would presumably move up to the starting spot, although the Vikes have some veteran depth back there with Michael Boulware. Is it too late to get Mike Doss on the horn? Looking for the silver-lining: Well, at least Tyrell will get some experience. Here's the official tally of significant Vikings injuries thus far: Ray Edwards - back; seems to be okay Madieu Williams - six weeks with neck Heath Farwell - season with torn ACL Jayme Mitchell - season with torn ACL Pat Williams - bum elbow; should be okay for regular season Garrett Mills - knee; God knows when he'll play Bernard Berrian - being held back in practice because of bad groin Brian Robison - varicose vein issue, should be back in a couple weeks Tyrell Johnson -abdominal strain of some kind; should be okay Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:38:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/304360 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/304360 Defensive end Ray Edwards made his first appearance in uniform and pads yesterday in Mankato. Edwards was on the physically-unable-to-perform list because of a back injury. That caused him to miss the team's first 12 practices of training camp. Edwards says his back problems are the result of extensive workouts in the off-season. He's not expected to take part in tonight's two-way practice with the Chiefs in River Falls, Wisconsin. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:22:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/298620 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/298620 Defensive end Ray Edwards made his first appearance in uniform and pads yesterday in Mankato. Edwards was on the physically-unable-to-perform list because of a back injury. That caused him to miss the team's first 12 practices of training camp. Edwards says his back problems are the result of extensive workouts in the off-season. He's not expected to take part in tonight's two-way practice with the Chiefs in River Falls, Wisconsin. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:22:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/298620 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/298620 Ray Edwards (back) will probably come off the PUP list this week and get some practice time. Pat Williams has been nursing his elbow which was operated on in the off-season but is finally seeing some action. That's half our alleged big-time defensive line right there. Be a shame to see the plan messed up by injuries. Garrett Mills injured his ankle the other day and is still not back on the field. Thomas Tapeh, our new blocking fullback, took a big hit yesterday morning but is now back. Bobby Wade is missing today according to Judd Zulgad's Access Vikings report…no word on whether this is health-related. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:01:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/297485 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/297485 Ray Edwards (back) will probably come off the PUP list this week and get some practice time. Pat Williams has been nursing his elbow which was operated on in the off-season but is finally seeing some action. That's half our alleged big-time defensive line right there. Be a shame to see the plan messed up by injuries. Garrett Mills injured his ankle the other day and is still not back on the field. Thomas Tapeh, our new blocking fullback, took a big hit yesterday morning but is now back. Bobby Wade is missing today according to Judd Zulgad's Access Vikings report…no word on whether this is health-related. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:01:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/297485 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/297485 Ray Edwards is on the PUP list to begin training camp.  The back tweaking he suffered in OTAs has not healed enough for him to practice and his reps at left end are being taken by Jayme Mitchell.  Some have wondered why Brian Robison isn't getting those reps, but obviously, Robison has been tabbed as the fill-in guy behind Jared Allen at right-end. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:10:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/295713 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/295713 Ray Edwards is on the PUP list to begin training camp.  The back tweaking he suffered in OTAs has not healed enough for him to practice and his reps at left end are being taken by Jayme Mitchell.  Some have wondered why Brian Robison isn't getting those reps, but obviously, Robison has been tabbed as the fill-in guy behind Jared Allen at right-end. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:10:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/295713 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/295713 The Vikings go into camp with 80 men on their roster, and will have to trim that to 53 by the time the season starts.  The current position-by-position breakdown follows the jump (depth chart positions subject to debate in some cases; starters in italics): Offense Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson Gus Frerotte John David Booty Brooks Bollinger Running Back Adrian Peterson Chester Taylor Maurice Hicks Albert Young Fullback Thomas Tapeh Jeff Dugan Naufahu Tahi Tackle Ryan Cook Bryant McKinnie Marcus Johnson Chase Johnson Drew Radovich Guard Steve Hutchinson Anthony Herrera Artis Hicks Brian Daniels Mike Jones Center Matt Birk John Sullivan Dan Mozes Tim Mattran Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe Jim Kleinsasser Garrett Mills Braden Jones Wide Receiver Bernard Berrian Bobby Wade Sidney Rice Robert Ferguson Aundrae Allison Jaymar Johnson Martin Nance Nate Jones Darius Reynaud Daniel Davis Defense/Special Teams Defensive End Jared Allen Ray Edwards Brian Robison Jayme Mitchell Ellis Wyms Otis Grigsby Martail Burnett Defensive Tackle Kevin Williams Pat Williams Fred Evans Letroy Guiron Kenderick Allen Leger Douzable Linebacker E.J. Henderson Ben Leber Chad Greenway Heath Farwell Vinny Ciurciu Derrick Pope Rufus Alexander David Herron Erin Henderson Jeremy Leman Cornerback Antoine Winfield Cedric Griffin Marcus McCauley Charles Gordon Benny Sapp Dee McCann Marcus Walker Brandon Sumrall Safety Darren Sharper Madieu Williams Michael Boulware Tyrell Johnson Eric Frampton Jusain Abdullah Kicker Ryan Longwell Steven Hauschka Punter Chris Kluwe Long Snapper Cullen Loeffler Hard to find any real positional battles there.  The best one is probably at tight end, where I'm hoping Garrett Mills, who showed flashes in the final game of last season, will push Visanthe Shiancoe.  Maybe Marcus McCauley or Charles Gordon can make things uncomfortable for Cedric Griffin?  Everything else looks set, barring injury or guys suddenly forgetting how to play.  I'll continue to update this as camp progresses, reflecting cuts, and any changes in depth chart position. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:24:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294950 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294950 On many occasions a defensive lineman could have a huge effect on the outcome of the game. If the ends get a pass rush on the quarterback, it will slow down the passing game and if the tackles do their job and stop the run, your team has a good chance at winning. Breakout defensive linemen such as Mario Williams and Albert Haynesworth had huge impacts on their teams last year. Here are some players who I think are capable of doing that this year. Gaines Adams Buccaneers: Adams had a solid rookie year as he had 38 tackles and 6 sacks but at the end of the year, he showed why he was a top 5 pick in the draft. Adams started to get off the edge faster and learned how to use his great size and speed to create mismatches for his opponents. If Adams continues to improve, he could be in for a trip to Hawaii in the near future. Don't be surprised if Adams gets at least 10 sacks this year. Ray Edwards Vikings: Edwards has the skill set to be a dominant defensive end in the league. He is 6'5 268 pounds and has 4.8 speed. Last year Edwards had 5 sacks but now with Jared Allen across from him and Kenechi Udeze out for the year, Edwards has a chance to shine. Don't be surprised if Edwards gets at least 10 sacks. Brodrick Bunkley Eagles: Bunkley started to show in his second year why he was worthy of a 1st round pick in 2006. He has incredible strength and the size to clog up the middle of the line. Bunkley has lost some weight this offseason and with the additions on the Eagles defense of Chris Clemons and Asante Samuel, Bunkley could develop into a Pro Bowl caliber player very soon. Jovan Haye Buccaneers: In his first year starting, Haye was very impressive as he had 68 tackles and 6 sacks. With the development of Adams and the core of the Bucs defense intact, there is no reason to doubt that Haye could have an even better season in 2008. Marcus Thomas Broncos: If not for legal troubles, Thomas would have been a first round pick in 2007. Instead he fell to the Broncos in the 4th round and if he lives up to the first round hype, the Broncos will be very happy. Thomas impressed at times last year as he had 19 tackles and a sack in 5 starts. Thomas should show lots of flashes of stardom this year, but look for him to really breakout in 2009. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:51:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293403 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293403 Ray Edwards is supposed to have a bust-out season lining up on the left side of the same defensive line as Pro-Bowlers Pat Williams, Kevin Williams and Jared Allen.  Things got off to kind of an iffy start, however, when Ray tweaked his back and had to miss minicamp. Now Edwards, according to coach Brad Childress, is looking good.  "He looks like a million bucks," were Chilly's exact words.  Let's hope he also looks like about 8 sacks. By the way, today is Chilly's 52nd birthday.  I'm sure he's having a high old boring time. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:47:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283168 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283168 Ray Edwards is supposed to have a bust-out season lining up on the left side of the same defensive line as Pro-Bowlers Pat Williams, Kevin Williams and Jared Allen.  Things got off to kind of an iffy start, however, when Ray tweaked his back and had to miss minicamp. Now Edwards, according to coach Brad Childress, is looking good.  "He looks like a million bucks," were Chilly's exact words.  Let's hope he also looks like about 8 sacks. By the way, today is Chilly's 52nd birthday.  I'm sure he's having a high old boring time. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:47:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283168 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283168