With Williams hurt, Vikings look at other safeties

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -Though the addition of Madieu Williams was overshadowed by the headliner acquisition of Jared Allen, the Vikings were excited about the versatile safety they signed on the first day of free agency.

Given a six-year contract worth as much as $33 million, including nearly $13 million guaranteed, Williams left Cincinnati to join a Minnesota defense coming off a strong season but searching for upgrades to a few spots.

Though safeties in the Tampa Two scheme primarily play zone coverage, Williams is considered quick enough to play some man-to-man - and allow fellow starter Darren Sharper more freedom to roam if he wants to.

Sharper, who has 53 career interceptions, always wants to. But he might have to wait awhile for that, because Williams has a nerve problem in his neck.

It could keep him out for up to six weeks, coach Brad Childress acknowledged after Tuesday's practice.

"I don't know. I'm not clairvoyant," said Childress, who has been reluctant to provide injury information during training camp.

"It's just going to be ongoing here," Childress said. "He's treating, and he's frustrated as well, but he's got a great, great attitude."

Williams' condition didn't become public until he was held out of Friday's exhibition game against Seattle. Childress indicated he was hurt during a practice earlier in camp. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said Monday "there's no reason to be alarmed at this point" based on what he's been told by trainer Eric Sugarman.

"From all indications, everyone feels great about Madieu getting back on the field and being 100 percent soon," agent Kenny Zuckerman said in an e-mail.

So, with Williams set to miss at least a game or two of the regular season, is rookie Tyrell Johnson ready?

"I think I earned a little bit of respect when I was out there Friday playing with them and made a few touchdown-saving tackles," said Johnson, the team's second-round draft pick. "That's how you earn the defense's respect, just by making plays."

The injury to Williams gave Johnson extended time in his first game.

"It was just good to see him out there with the lights on," Childress said. "He had to make a couple of tackles in the back end, which is all you care about when it gets to you right there ... to get him on the ground, and he did a good job of doing that."