Vikings Back To Practice; No Sullivan

Eden Prairie, MN (Learfield Sports) -- After an off day yesterday, the Minnesota Vikings will return to the practice field early this afternoon at team headquarters in Eden Prairie. And the news is not good up front.

Veteran center John Sullivan was placed on Injured Reserve today with a bad back. Sullivan underwent a lumbar surgery yesterday and will not be eligible to practice for another six weeks. He will be able to play in Week Eight, if he is recovered.

The Purple is set to open the N-F-L regular season with a Monday Night Football game at San Francisco. Defensive end Everson Griffen says the Vikes are simply fine-tuning a few things as they feel more comfortable in year two of the "Mike Zimmer Defense."

Kickoff on Monday is set for 9:20 P-M, Minnesota time.