CHICAGO -- Vikings Pro Bowl defensive tackle Pat Williams will not play tonight against the Chicago Bears because of a right elbow injury.

Williams was listed as questionable going into the game. Williams practiced on a limited basis this week but he wore a large brace on his elbow. This is the first game Williams has missed this season. He sat out the final three games of last season, including a playoff game, because of a shoulder injury.

Jimmy Kennedy will start in his place.

The Vikings other inactives are Jaymar Johnson, Karl Paymah, Garrett Mills, J Leman, Jon Cooper and Jayme Mitchell. Sage Rosenfels is the third quarterback.

The Bears inactives include starting safeties Al Afalava (knee) and Kevin Payne (ankle). Josh Bullocks and Craig Steltz will start in their places. Under ordinary conditions this would be a significant development because Brett Favre could attack the safeties through the air, but with the cold conditions at Soldier Field this is expected to be more of a running game.

Wide receiver Devin Hester (calf) also will be held out of the game. Brad Maynard (groin) is active and should be able to handle the punting duties. Chicago signed Richmond McGee today in case Maynard could not go.

Also inactive for the Bears are wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias; guard Lance Louis; backup right tackle James Marten; defensive tackle Matt Toeaina; and defensive end Adewale Ogunleye.