We got a 20-minute peek at the start of today's short practice and, as expected, Kevin Williams and his hyperextended knee were not on the field. Williams was (cheap-shotted) unnecessarily cut-blocked to the sideline for an undetermined amount of time by 49ers backup guard Joe Looney in the third preseason game.

The Vikings are hopeful that Williams will be able to play Sunday's season opener at Detroit. But one gets the feeling there's more hope there than reality.

Meanwhile, the Vikings filled out their eight-man practice squad by signing defensive end Tristan Okpalaugo, who was released by the Dolphins in their final cuts. Okpalaugo turned some heads -- although apparently not enough -- by notching three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovering for the Dolphins during the preseason.