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I realize most of Minnesota, and a good portion of the NFC North, is focused on Monday's scheduled debate and vote on the Minnesota Vikings stadium bill. But I'm told by sources close to the situation that the Vikings held a three-day rookie minicamp over the weekend, and while it's dangerous to read much of anything into what happens at such events, two items jumped out to me in reviewing accounts of the weekend.

First, the Vikings will start off fifth-round choice Robert Blanton at safety rather than cornerback, immediately escalating his chances of making the team and seeing the field in 2012. As coach Leslie Frazier told reporters, the Vikings finished 2011 without an established starter at either safety position. "We want an open competition," Frazier said.

The Vikings have not yet re-signed 2011 starter Husain Abdullah, who struggled with concussions last season. That leaves Blanton to compete with Jamarca Sanford and Mistral Raymond for the spot opposite the one likely to be held by first-round draft choice Harrison Smith.

Second, there was no mistaking that the Vikings drafted Georgia place-kicker Blair Walsh to mount a serious threat at incumbent Ryan Longwell, who only a year ago signed a multiyear contract that included a $3.5 million signing bonus.

Over the weekend, Ben of Chicago wondered if the Vikings wanted to use Walsh as a kickoff specialist, one who would justify his roster spot by limiting the number of coverage specialists the Vikings might need to keep. Frazier said that scenario is "possible" but made clear "it's not in the game plan right now."

As we discussed over draft weekend, teams don't use draft picks on place-kickers without a significant purpose. In recent history, it's usually been either to unseat an incumbent or to fill an obvious hole.

In the five drafts between 2007 and 2011, NFL teams drafted eight place-kickers. Seven of them appeared on their team's roster at some point during their rookie season, although one of them -- David Buehler of the Dallas Cowboys -- was strictly a kickoff specialist.

Longwell will turn 38 in August, but I wouldn't consider replacing him to be atop the Vikings' list of needs. Still, Frazier said "we are obviously going to take a close look" at Walsh this summer in training camp. Stay tuned on that one.

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- By the looks of it, those of you who are disappointed about the Minnesota Vikings' offseason thus far can be categorized in two ways: Those who wanted to see the Vikings pursue a starting-caliber wide receiver and those who thought they needed to prioritize a depleted secondary that contributed to one of the worst pass defenses in NFL history last season.

I think the former is mitigated a bit by the addition of tight end John Carlson, who has been a slick pass-catcher when healthy in his NFL career. But I do think it's fair to question how the Vikings intend to improve their pass defense without a talent influx, and that was on the top of my mind Sunday when Vikings general manager Rick Spielman stopped to speak with reporters here at the NFL owners meetings.

Spielman defended his approach, saying: "I just really believe in doing the due diligence and being patient." He added "there's no hurry for anything" and pointed out that veteran cornerbacks Chris Cook and Antoine Winfield should form a decent foundation for the Vikings' 2012 secondary.

In the end, however, it seems clear that Spielman has targeted the draft for difference-makers in the secondary, whether they are cornerbacks or safeties.

"There's a pretty good crop of corners in this year's draft," he said, "and we know if we do go that route, the coaches will have to step in and do a great job developing them."

Speaking generally, Spielman said his approach to building the roster is that free agency is a time to "get a lot of value" from players, but the draft is "hopefully we're going to get our top of the line, blue-chip players."

I appreciate Spielman standing in on a number of questions on the subject. I understand where he's coming from but think it's only fair to point out a number of facts:

• Both of the cornerbacks he's counting on have had trouble staying on the field in recent years.
• Cook missed 10 games in 2010 because of knee injuries and another 10 in 2011 after he was arrested in a domestic incident that he was ultimately acquitted for.
• Winfield, meanwhile, missed 11 games last season, six in 2009 and will turn 35 in August.
• One of their 2011 starting safeties, Husain Abdullah, has a history of concussions and has yet to re-sign.
• Candidates under contract to start at safety include Mistral Raymond and Jamarca Sanford, both of whom got chances in 2011.

How many starting defensive backs can you get in a single draft? Maybe one if you do a good job and two or three if you have a great draft. Sitting out the opening days of free agency prevents paying elite money to above-average players, but it also leaves a team in the predicament the Vikings are in now: Hoping to recycle some players with question marks near their names.

It doesn't mean the Vikings can't fill all of their needs. It just means they won't do it all at once, or even in one year.

"It's funny," Spielman said. "People think you have this need and you have to fill it now. There's no order that you have to fill your needs in. Not the last time I looked."

Several of you noted that I left out an important fact in discussing the Minnesota Vikings' historically poor pass defense Tuesday. Not only do they rank last among NFL teams with six interceptions, but they've gone eight consecutive games without one.

Research from Jeremy Mills of ESPN Stats & Information reveals the Vikings could set a new NFL record for interception futility unless they can pick off New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees in Sunday's matchup between the teams at the Metrodome. As the chart shows, no team has gone more than eight consecutive games without an interception since the 1970 merger.


(That news should be of particular interest to a KFAN-1130 radio talk show host who has started a "Sick for a Pick" campaign this week to rouse the Vikings defense.)

Of the Vikings' six interceptions, three came in Week 5 against Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks Kevin Kolb and Rich Bartel. By my count, they've had 229 passes thrown against them without an interception since safety Jamarca Sanford intercepted Bartel on the final pass of that Oct. 9 game.

After taking permanent control of the Minnesota Vikings' coaching job, Leslie Frazier laid out a traditional and conventional vision for winning football games. His teams would run the ball and stop the run, a time-honored approach that sounds good in the locker room but is as outdated as the single wing.

If there were ever a season that could crush that theory, it's the one the Vikings are enduring in 2011. They rank among the NFL's top 10 in rushing yards and rush defense, but their punchless passing attack and tattered pass defense has driven the worst 13-game start in franchise history. At 2-11, the Vikings are obviously and glaringly swimming upstream in the pass-happy NFL.

Speaking generally last week, Frazier said he has reminded himself that this season is "a journey" and "part of what we have to go through to get to where we want eventually." He said he doesn't "foresee us forever being in this situation" and added: "I really believe that we will look back on it in time and say, 'OK, this is what happened in 2011 and this is why we are better in 2012, because of what happened in 2011.'"

Quite frankly, that will take some adjustment in vision.

Frazier built his hopes on offense around tailback Adrian Peterson, who averaged 94 yards and more than one touchdown per game before suffering an ankle injury in Week 11. Development from quarterback Christian Ponder would lead to a more balanced offense over time, but the Vikings' 2011 plan was either deeply flawed or a gross example of misplaced priorities. Both the quarterback (Donovan McNabb) and No. 1 receiver (Bernard Berrian) they opened the season with have already been waived. Neither has signed with a new team.

Their failures, and other reasons, have left Vikings quarterbacks with a combined 77.0 passer rating this season, ranking them in the bottom third of the NFL.

Peterson's presence, not to mention a $100 million contract extension, demands a strong commitment to the running game. So I don't think the Vikings need, say, the Packers' passing offense to be championship contenders. But there is no reasonable explanation to justify how the Vikings organized and executed a pass defense that is on pace to produce one of the worst seasons in NFL history.

Defensive end Jared Allen leads the NFL with 17.5 sacks, but even with his presence, the Vikings have allowed opponents to compile a 107.1 passer rating this season. As the first chart shows, that puts them on pace for one of the five-worst pass defenses -- based on opponent's passer rating -- since at least the 1970 merger. As the second chart shows, the Vikings have allowed more touchdown passes, intercepted the fewest passes and allowed the second-highest completion percentage in the NFL this season. Last Sunday, the Vikings did limit the yardage piled up by Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. But even though he threw for a modest 229 yards, Stafford still completed 69 percent of his passes for two touchdowns and didn't have a turnover.

Their inability to slow down opposing pass offenses has all but negated a relatively strong run defense that ranks No. 9 overall in total yards allowed. And it's not as if teams aren't trying to run against the Vikings. Opponents have 352 rushing attempts against them, good for No. 17 in the NFL.

As with their pass offense, the Vikings didn't appear to make their pass defense a high priority entering the season. Their only starting-level addition was nose tackle Remi Ayodele, a run-stopper. And it's possible that none of the defensive backs considered starters in Week 1 will return in 2012.

Frazier has already admitted that cornerback Cedric Griffin wouldn't be playing if he had any better options. Fellow cornerback Antoine Winfield will be 35 in 2012, just had a playing-time clause reduce his salary by more than 50 percent and might not be a full-time player anymore. The careers of cornerback Chris Cook (off-field) and free safety Husain Abdullah (concussion) are in doubt, and a season-long rotation of strong safeties Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson revealed neither is up for the job.

Did the Vikings think they could cover themselves with their run defense? I hope not. These days, the best gauge for measuring the top teams is the differential between their passer rating (or QBR) and the passer rating (or QBR) allowed by their defenses.

Here are the teams with the top five QBR differentials through 13 games, according to ESPN Stats & Information:

1. Green Bay Packers (13-0)
2. New Orleans Saints (10-3)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
4. Baltimore Ravens (10-3)
5. Houston Texans (10-3)

And here are the teams with the five worst differentials:

1. Indianapolis Colts (0-13)
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)
3. St. Louis Rams (2-11)
4. Vikings (2-11)
5. Arizona Cardinals (6-7)

It would be fine if the Vikings continue running the ball well and can stop the run. But that can't be it. They won't compete in the NFC North, much less this league, until they rebuild their pass offense and reassemble a competent secondary. Until the NFL veers away from its love affair with the passing game, the Vikings have no choice but to shift their vision.

Getting inside the Friday injury report:

Chicago Bears: Nickel back D.J. Moore (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game and isn't expected to play against the San Diego Chargers. Corey Graham will be the nickel back. All other players should be available.

Detroit Lions: Punter Ryan Donahue (quadriceps) was ruled out, confirming that newcomer Ben Graham will punt Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Safety Amari Spievey (toe) is probable and expected to play. The Lions could be thin on the defensive line, based on the availability of defensive ends Willie Young (ankle) and Lawrence Jackson (thigh). Both are listed as questionable.

Green Bay Packers: The only injury issue this week has been defensive end Mike Neal (knee), who made it through portions of all three practices. The Packers are listing him as questionable for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an encouraging sign. Even if he doesn't play this week, it appears Neal hasn't had any setbacks to prevent an imminent return.

Minnesota Vikings: Guard Anthony Herrera (knee) and safety Husain Abdullah (concussion ) were ruled out for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. Joe Berger will again start at right guard, and it's expected the Vikings will use a three-man rotation at safety between Jamarca Sanford, Tyrell Johnson and rookie Mistral Raymond. Meanwhile, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) is questionable, as is linebacker Erin Henderson (hamstring). Kyle Rudolph and Kenny Onatolu, respectively, could see additional playing time Sunday.

Checking in on Thursday's news bits:

Chicago Bears: Cornerback D.J. Moore missed practice after suffering an ankle injury Wednesday. If he can't play, the Bears could look at Corey Graham or Zack Bowman in the nickel Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. Defensive end Julius Peppers (knee) practiced Thursday.

Detroit Lions: Safety Amari Spievey (toe) returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant. Running back Jahvid Best (concussion) watched practice but did not participate. Punter Ryan Donahue (quadriceps) didn't practice. Neither did defensive ends Willie Young (ankle) and Lawrence Jackson (thigh). Quarterback Matthew Stafford (finger) had full participation in practice.

Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Desmond Bishop and guard T.J. Lang, both of whom missed practice Wednesday for personal reasons, returned Thursday. Running back Ryan Grant (knee) also returned to practice and had full participation.

Minnesota Vikings: Defensive end Jared Allen has been filling in as the team's long snapper in practice because of Cullen Loeffler's shoulder injury. But coach Leslie Frazier told reporters there is "no chance" he would use Allen in that role Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. If Loeffler isn't ready, the Vikings will sign an emergency snapper. Safety Husain Abdullah (concussion) continues to be sidelined and doesn't appear likely to play Sunday. Tyrell Johnson and Jamarca Sanford would be the starters.

After the Minnesota Vikings' 45-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, here are three issues that merit further examination:

1. Kevin SeifertFollowing their loss to the Packers, the Vikings take a seat in the examination room.
   The Vikings talked big last week about ending the Packers' run at an undefeated season. Instead, they produced their most lethargic performance of the year. Defensive end Jared Allen called it "disgusting" and fellow defensive end Brian Robison felt compelled to say via Twitter: "We have not quit." When a team lays that kind of egg on national television, public discussion naturally turns to the effectiveness of the head coach. I'm not ready to go there yet with Leslie Frazier. He took over a complicated situation and is trying to navigate a roster transition while still prodding the remaining veterans. As an organization, the Vikings are approaching their situation as a remodel rather than a rebuild. They might have underestimated the work ahead of them.
2. There is a line of thought in the NFL that you don't play rookies and/or backups just to play them, or in the blind hope that they will provide an upgrade over the status quo. But the Vikings have enough low-functioning players to justify it at several positions. I see no reason why rookie defensive tackle Christian Ballard shouldn't continue to start ahead of Remi Ayodele. It's worth seeing whether rookie safety Mistral Raymond is any better than Tyrell Johnson, Jamarca Sanford or Husain Abdullah. In basketball terms, at 2-7 and after displaying the kind of lethargy we saw Monday night, the Vikings need to empty the bench. If nothing else, it's a method for holding players accountable. No one has tenure in the NFL.
3. Amid it all, we should note that Allen continues to bring it hard on every play this season. He was in the face of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers all game, finishing with seven tackles, including three for a loss, and one sack to bring his season total to 13.5. I would imagine his NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidacy will be negatively impacted by the Vikings' poor team performance, but that's too bad. One of this generation's best pass-rushers is having the best season of his career. Allen's production and energy level have never been higher. He's setting an example that, quite frankly, isn't being noticed by enough of his teammates.

And here is one issue I still don't get:

What does the future hold for cornerback Antoine Winfield, whose season is probably over after fracturing his collarbone Monday night? He will be 35 when the 2012 season begins and has been limited by injuries in two of the past three seasons. The Vikings have uncertainty across the board at cornerback, from fellow starter Cedric Griffin to second-year player Chris Cook, who is inactive because of legal issues. And it's worth nothing that the Vikings negotiated a de-escalator into Winfield's most recent contract, one that would pay him $7 million if he is a starter but about $3 million if he is a nickelback. Winfield is part of an old guard of Vikings defenders who eventually will be phased out. Will it be this offseason?

MINNEAPOLIS -- Greetings from the Metrodome, where I've been keeping an eye on the two early games in the NFC North while also watching Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder start his pregame warm-ups about an hour ahead of most other players.

The Vikings have one surprise on their list of inactive players: Receiver Bernard Berrian won't play for the second time in three games. Berrian didn’t appear on the injury report this week; his previous deactivation was for disciplinary reasons, according to coach Leslie Frazier.

As expected the Vikings will be without four other key players: cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck), cornerback Chris Cook (arrest), center John Sullivan (concussion) and safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion). Asher Allen will start at cornerback alongside Cedric Griffin.

The Packers had no surprises among their list of inactives. It includes cornerback Sam Shields (concussion). Defensive end Ryan Pickett (concussion) is active, as expected. So is linebacker/fan favorite Vic So'oto.

Updating our earlier post, we now know that Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chris Cook won't play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Arrested early Saturday morning and jailed without bond, it's not even clear that he'll be released from jail before kickoff. Even if he is, however, the Vikings have formally ruled him out of the game.

We've already discussed how that will impact their depth chart for Sunday's game. It's likely that dime back Asher Allen will start at cornerback, with punt returner Marcus Sherels serving as the dime back. Starting cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) and starting safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion) are doubtful for the game and not expected to play.

The Packers had a pretty sizeable matchup advantage even before Cook's arrest. So the bigger question now is what this incident means for the future of the Vikings' top draft choice in 2010. Two knee surgeries derailed Cook's rookie season, and he's now been arrested twice in the past eight months. (He was ultimately acquitted of brandishing a firearm last spring.)

Coach Leslie Frazier will have to make a short-term discipline decision about Cook, regardless of the outcome of this proceeding, and the NFL could also weight in with a fine or suspension. Stay tuned.

Getting inside the NFC North Friday injury report:

Chicago Bears: All players are probable for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers except for offensive lineman Gabe Carimi (knee) and defensive lineman Matt Toeaina (knee). Still, receiver Earl Bennett (chest) seems unlikely to play. Safety Major Wright (hip) might give way to veteran Chris Harris in the starting lineup.

Detroit Lions: The Lions officially ruled out running back Jahvid Best (concussion) for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, to no one's surprise. The good news: Linebacker Justin Durant and tight end Tony Scheffler, both of who whom have been dealing with concussions, are listed as probable. Durant has missed the past three games.

Green Bay Packers: Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett was added to the injury list Friday because of a concussion and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Packers coach Mike McCarthy indicated that Pickett should be cleared for the game, which would be a quick recovery. Cornerback Sam Shields is doubtful because of a concussion and isn't expected to play.

Minnesota Vikings: It looks like the Vikings will be missing two of their four starting defensive backs for Sunday's game. Cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) and safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion) are both listed as doubtful. So is center John Sullivan (concussion). Chris Cook would continue starting for Winfield. Tyrell Johnson would start for Sanford and Joe Berger for Sullivan.

Checking in on Wednesday's practice report:

Chicago Bears: Wide receiver Earl Bennett (chest) fully participated in practice and could return to the lineup Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Receiver/kick returner Devin Hester (chest) didn't practice Wednesday, but indications are that he will be available Sunday. Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi (knee) and tight end Kellen Davis (elbow) both sat out practice.

Detroit Lions: Running back Jahvid Best (concussion) didn't practice and might not be ready for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Two other players with concussions, linebacker Justin Durant and tight end Tony Scheffler, didn't practice. Safety Amari Spievey missed practice for a non-injury reason. Cornerback Chris Houston is dealing with a back injury of unknown severity.

Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Frank Zombo (knee) won't play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Sam Shields (concussion) and Josh Sitton (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, but Sitton is expected to be ready for Sunday's game. Linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps) didn't practice. Cornerback Charles Woodson (foot) was limited.

Minnesota Vikings: Two starting offensive linemen, center John Sullivan (concussion) and right tackle Phil Loadholt (knee) didn't practice Wednesday. Coach Leslie Frazier said Loadholt's status is questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers. He would be replaced by Pat Brown, while Sullivan might have to give way to backup Joe Berger. Receiver Percy Harvin (ribs) and safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion) also sat out practice. Cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) had limited participation in practice for the first time in three weeks.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. Donovan McNabb, Minnesota Vikings quarterback: We've noted many times that McNabb deserves only partial blame for the Vikings' woes this season. The lockout, an imbalanced roster and some uninspired work from offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave have all contributed. Regardless, you have to wonder if McNabb has made the final start of his NFL career. Coach Leslie Frazier officially is still mulling his starter for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers, but it doesn't usually bode well for an incumbent when the coach doesn't immediately express support. If Christian Ponder assumes the job and stays healthy for the remainder of the season, what options would McNabb have in 2012? He would have been benched in consecutive years by two different organizations. I'm not sure if another team would offer him its starting job. Earlier this month, Sports Illustrated reported McNabb will strongly consider retirement if that scenario plays out.

2. Perspective on postgame handshakes: I promise this will be my final comment on Sunday's postgame fracas at Ford Field. I've been surprised at how many people think this incident has been overblown. Rarely, if ever, in the modern history of the NFL has one head coach been restrained from going after another, regardless of provocation. To find even a similar example, the Pro Football Hall of Fame went back to a Chicago Bears-Los Angeles Rams game -- in 1947. After the game, a dirty affair from another era that featured five ejections and 16 penalties, a Bears player chased Rams coach Bob Snyder into the locker room and sparked a brawl. And this list of coaching confrontations, compiled by Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, hardly compares to what we saw Sunday. What exactly was Schwartz going to do Sunday if he reached Harbaugh? Were they going to fight right there on the field? When something so out of the ordinary occurs relative to history, it is by definition a significant event.

3. Vikings pass defense: The Vikings have gotten decent push from defensive ends Jared Allen and Brian Robison this season, but they were largely stymied Sunday night by a Chicago Bears offense that held back extra blockers in pass protection. Robbed of the protection usually afforded by Allen and Robison, the Vikings' secondary was revealed as an undermanned group that doesn't have an anchor as long as veteran is Antoine Winfield (neck) sidelined. The Vikings rank No. 24 overall in NFL pass defense. They continue to run a rotation at safety between Tyrell Johnson and Jamarca Sanford, and cornerback Cedric Griffin is gamely fighting through his second return from an ACL tear in as many seasons. All secondaries are better when they have a pass rush, but the Vikings' is a real liability if Allen and Robison can't get consistent pressure.

RISING

1. James Jones, Packers receiver: Jones wasn't happy with his playing time early in the season. But after agreeing to sit tight and wait his turn, Jones has caught a touchdown pass in each of the Packers' last three games. In fact, three of his last seven receptions have gone for touchdowns. Over that stretch, Jones has pulled himself even with the slew of receivers the Packers have behind Greg Jennings. Jordy Nelson has 20 receptions this season. Jones has 15. Donald Driver has 12 and Randall Cobb has nine.

2. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears quarterback: We'll get to this in more detail later Tuesday, but Cutler has put together his best two games of the season over the past two weeks. He's completed 71 percent of his passes over that stretch with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He's even made a believer of Total Quarterback Rating, which gave him a season-high 91.4 score after Sunday's victory over the Vikings. It's interesting that Cutler has a better sense for what the Bears offense can do, and not do, than coordinator Mike Martz.

3. Desmond Bishop, Packers linebacker: Tackles are an unofficial statistic, but I usually prefer to use the set based on review from each team's coaches. Based on that film review, Bishop had a stunning 20 tackles in Sunday's victory over the St. Louis Rams. That unofficially gives Bishop a team-high 72 tackles through six games. He also has three sacks and a forced fumble. Consider that at this time last season, Bishop was only two games into his replacement of injured starter Nick Barnett. He has now blossomed into a key ingredient of a championship defense.

A few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' 22-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs:

What it means: The Vikings are 0-4 for the first time since 2002. Situated in a division with the NFL’s two undefeated teams, the Vikings can essentially kiss the playoffs goodbye. That leaves only one bit of drama left in their season. Namely ...

PonderWatch: Coach Leslie Frazier said "I don’t think" the Vikings are in a position where changing quarterbacks is required. But what is the value of playing a 34-year-old quarterback on a one-year contract when you’re 0-4 and four games back in your division? Donovan McNabb completed 18 of 30 passes against the Chiefs, including a nicely-thrown 34-yard touchdown pass to receiver Devin Aromashodu in the second quarter. Sunday’s loss wasn’t all on him. But the competitive portion of 2011 is almost done for the Vikings. That pushes our attention to 2012, when their quarterback almost certainly will be Christian Ponder. The only reason to delay the inevitable is if the Vikings feel Ponder hasn’t developed enough to give him a chance. I would find that hard to believe.

Tackling woes: I had my eyes mostly focused at Cowboys Stadium, but one play I saw from the Vikings really stood out. Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe blew past cornerback Cedric Griffin, who had slipped, and hauled in a Matt Cassel pass. Safety Jamarca Sanford bounced off Bowe on a shoulder-tackle attempt, and Griffin couldn’t bring him down either. Bowe scored on a 52-yard touchdown when all he had done was take about six strides past the line of scrimmage. Way too easy.

What’s next: The Vikings will try to avoid an 0-5 start when they host the Arizona Cardinals.

Getting inside the Friday injury report, which includes the expected debut of a veteran running back in Chicago, the loss of a starting linebacker in Detroit, lingering knee problems of a linebacker in Minnesota and surgery for a sidelined safety in Green Bay:

Chicago Bears: Safety Chris Harris (hamstring) was listed as questionable but appears unlikely to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Tight end Matt Spaeth (calf) might also be sidelined. It's expected that running back Marion Barber (calf) will play in his first game of the regular season. Receiver Earl Bennett and right tackle Gabe Carimi are out.

Detroit Lions: Linebacker Justin Durant (concussion) won't play against the Dallas Cowboys, a big loss for the Lions. Durant has been their leading tackler through three games and will be replaced by Bobby Carpenter. The Lions also ruled out receiver Rashied Davis (foot). Six players are questionable, but all six of them participated in a portion of practice Friday.

Green Bay Packers: As expected, running back Ryan Grant (kidney) and right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) won’t play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Coach Mike McCarthy indicated that veteran John Kuhn would be the second running back into the game behind starter James Starks. Linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps) did not practice Friday but is probable. Meanwhile, safety Nick Collins underwent fusion surgery on his neck Thursday, according to multiple reports. Collins has long been ruled out for the season, and the question now is whether he will be ready to play when the 2012 season begins.

Minnesota Vikings: Linebacker E.J. Henderson (knee) is listed as questionable, along with safety Jamarca Sanford (shoulder). Henderson is expected to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, but coach Leslie Frazier said his snaps could be limited. Henderson told reporters he noticed himself limping on film last Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Waiver wire pickup Xavier Adibi likely would take any snaps Henderson misses. Sanford practiced in full pads Thursday and Friday, so it's not clear how serious his injury is.

To address a question many of you have posed: If Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier follows previous form, it's unlikely he'll release or immediately discipline safety Tyrell Johnson, who was arrested early Tuesday morning on suspicion of driving while impaired.

Two other players have been arrested since Frazier took over as the Vikings' permanent coach over the winter. Defensive lineman Everson Griffen was arrested twice in the span of three days in February, first for on suspicion of public intoxication and then for allegedly assaulting a police officer following a traffic stop. Meanwhile, quarterback Rhett Bomar was arrested for drunken driving during training camp.

Griffen remained with the team and is part of the Vikings' defensive line rotation. Bomar wasn't released until the Vikings needed to reduce their roster during the first round of cuts last month.

Johnson's blood-alcohol level was 0.12 percent when he arrested, according to reports.

We'll wait to hear from Frazier during Wednesday's media availability, but it seems as though he set a precedent with Griffen, if not Bomar. First offenses, which this appears to be for Johnson, haven't merited severe discipline under Frazier to this point.

As we discussed in Tuesday's SportsNation chat, which I appreciate everyone turning out for, the bigger question is whether Frazier sees anything in Johnson to merit his continued presence on the field. Johnson was the Vikings' top draft pick in 2008, but he has been locked in a two-year competition for a starting job with Jamarca Sanford. His drop of an interception in the fourth quarter Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was one of the key misplays of a stunning 24-20 loss.