Vikings' Starting Defensive Tackles Suspended

The Minnesota Vikings' starting defensive tackles, Kevin and Pat Williams, were suspended for the final four games of the regular season by the NFL.  The Williamses were two of six total players suspended for using a diuretic, which apparently can be used as a masking agent. 

The punishment means all six will miss the end of the regular season, an especially harsh blow to Minnesota, which relies heavily on the Williamses in its run defense, which ranks second in the league.

Angelo Wright, the agent for Pat Williams, said he planned to file a motion in federal court in the next 24 hours, presumably to put off his client's suspension. Tom Condon, the agent for Kevin Williams, said he hadn't yet determined what course of action to take.

Both Williamses are lawyering up in hopes of getting their suspensions delayed or thrown out altogether.  If the Vikings' starting defensive tackles are unable to play against the Lions on Sunday, the chances of winning definitely go up for Detroit.

In the first meeting this season between Detroit and Minnesota, the Lions rushed for 100 yards.  Kevin Smith had 62, and Rudi Johnson had 38.  I would expect the Lions to keep it on the ground more on Sunday if the Williamses do not play, though that doesn't guarantee that the running game will be successful.  Regardless, the chances of getting win #1 of the season certainly would increase.