EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings cornerback
Fred Smoot is expected to miss four to six weeks because of a broken
right collarbone.
Smoot initially hurt his shoulder Oct. 30 at Carolina and
aggravated the injury last week against Detroit -- sitting out
briefly before returning. The initial diagnosis was a painful but
minor injury called a stinger, but athletic trainer Chuck Barta said Wednesday
that an MRI exam revealed a small fracture.
Brian Williams will replace Smoot in the starting lineup for the
Vikings (3-5), who visit the New York Giants on Sunday. Ralph Brown
will become the nickel back.
Smoot, who left Washington and signed a six-year contract worth
$34 million that included a $10.8 million bonus with Minnesota in
March, has 37 tackles, one interception and a team-high 11 passes
defended this year.
Running back Mewelde Moore, who sprained his right wrist against
the Lions, is probable for Sunday's game. He participated fully in
Wednesday's practice, but remained very sore.