Bennett out for regular-season opener
August 30, 2004
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Running back Michael Bennett will miss the team's regular season opener Sept. 12 against Dallas with a right knee sprain.
Bennett, injured in the third quarter of Friday's exhibition win on a low hit by 49ers safety Erik Totten, underwent an MRI exam Saturday that revealed more damage than originally diagnosed.
Coach Mike Tice initially said that Bennett would be ``a little iffy'' for the Dallas game, but on Monday declared his starting back out for the opener. Tice said he is hoping to get him back for the second game, in Philadelphia.
Short-yardage specialist Moe Williams will start the opener. Rookie Mewelde Moore and Larry Ned also will see action.
The Vikings' depth in the backfield was considered a strength entering the season. But with Bennett sidelined, the team will be without its best two backs in the opener.
Onterrio Smith, Bennett's top backup, is expected to miss the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
Bennett has played in all 16 games just once in his four-year career.
Foot and ankle injuries limited the 5-foot-9, 209-pound back to just eight games last season. He finished with 90 carries for 447 yards and one touchdown, a significant dropoff from his numbers in 2002, when he made his first Pro Bowl.
Bennett also missed three games in 2001 with a sprained ankle.
August 30, 2004
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Running back Michael Bennett will miss the team's regular season opener Sept. 12 against Dallas with a right knee sprain.
Bennett, injured in the third quarter of Friday's exhibition win on a low hit by 49ers safety Erik Totten, underwent an MRI exam Saturday that revealed more damage than originally diagnosed.
Coach Mike Tice initially said that Bennett would be ``a little iffy'' for the Dallas game, but on Monday declared his starting back out for the opener. Tice said he is hoping to get him back for the second game, in Philadelphia.
Short-yardage specialist Moe Williams will start the opener. Rookie Mewelde Moore and Larry Ned also will see action.
The Vikings' depth in the backfield was considered a strength entering the season. But with Bennett sidelined, the team will be without its best two backs in the opener.
Onterrio Smith, Bennett's top backup, is expected to miss the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
Bennett has played in all 16 games just once in his four-year career.
Foot and ankle injuries limited the 5-foot-9, 209-pound back to just eight games last season. He finished with 90 carries for 447 yards and one touchdown, a significant dropoff from his numbers in 2002, when he made his first Pro Bowl.
Bennett also missed three games in 2001 with a sprained ankle.
