NEW ORLEANS -- Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards will play today's NFC title game with a brace on his right knee. Edwards suffered a sprained knee in the Vikings' victory over Dallas last Sunday in the second round of the playoffs.

Edwards, who played the best game of his four-year career in getting three sacks against the Cowboys, is listed as the starter for the Vikings at left end but it will be interesting to see how he moves with a brace on his knee. It also will be interesting to see if backup Brian Robison gets more snaps than usual.

Edwards came out for warmups with the brace clearly visible underneath his jersey pants.

On another note, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Vikings coach Brad Childress just had a discussion (5:15 p.m.) on the field as the Vikings went through warmups.