As the Vikings gear up to take on their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, this Sunday, fans are holding their collective breath on the status of Jared Allen's shoulder.
Allen injured the AC joint on his right shoulder Sunday when he sacked Houston QB Matt Schaub for a loss of nine yards in the 28-21 victory. Despite heading to the sidelines short time after the initial injury, Allen received a painkilling shot during halftime and returned to sack Texans' backup QB Sage Rosenfels in Houston's final effort to tie the game. Allen's sack was followed by one from Kevin Williams to end the Texans' run.
Sporting a wrap on his right shoulder after the game in the locker room, he told reporters he expected to play in the coming battle with Green Bay. When asked about the Pro Bowl DE's status for next Sunday, Coach Brad Childress told the Star Tribune "I don't know what exactly he will be able to do this week, or if he will be able to make it to next weekend. We'll just have to evaluate that as we go."
The loss of Allen could make a profound impact on the Vikings defense, especially when coupled with the loss of LB E.J. Henderson and the potential suspension of Pro Bowl defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams. So far this season, the 6'6" 270 lb. sacking machine accounts for 7.0 sacks -- tying DT Kevin Williams for the team lead -- two forced fumbles and 25 tackles after a rocky start in the first few weeks.
If coaches deem Allen unable to play on Sunday, fans could see Brian Robison taking the starting position. Robison, a second-year veteran out of Texas, has seen his share of action this season. On Sunday, he took 22 snaps across all four line positions. "The thing about this league is, the more things you can do, the better it is," he told the Star Tribune on Tuesday.
The Vikings are 0-5 in the last five games against the Packers and look to end that streak this Sunday with a refreshed passing game, both on offense and defense.
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