Vikes DT Pat Williams fractures shoulder, out 2-6 weeks

Lawyers for the players' union say the case is likely to drag on well past the Super Bowl, news that came as a huge relief to a team that is starting to play its best football of the season with the playoffs approaching.

The Vikings have won six of their last seven games to overcome a 1-3 start to the season that had fans calling for Childress's dismissal. Yet the players and coaches stuck together and now find themselves on the verge of their first playoff appearance since 2004.

"It's a good dynamic," Childress said. "They all push each other and they understand they all have roles and some of their roles change week to week; but they all want to improve and get better."

Evans' role has been in flux more than most. Two weeks ago, he was being asked about stepping in for Pat Williams after the league announced the four-game suspension.

Two practice days later, Evans returned to his backup role when a judge issued a temporary restraining order that allowed the Williams Wall to play.

Now here he is again, back in the spotlight.

"If there is anything I know about Pat, he'll be ready," Evans said when asked if he thought Pat Williams would be back for the playoffs. "And until that time, until he's ready, I'm going to hold it down the same way he did."