Veteran Darrion Scott became the third Vikings defensive lineman in as many years to have his season end early when he was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, a day after breaking his left foot in practice.

Scott, who led the Vikings with 5½ sacks in 2006, is expected to require surgery to have a pin inserted in his foot.

"We are all disappointed that he's suffered this injury," said Tim DiPiero, who serves as Scott's agent. "He was really looking forward to being a big part of the defense this year."

A third-round draft choice out of Ohio State in 2004, Scott has played left end and tackle in three-plus seasons with the Vikings. He spent the majority of his time this year playing inside during passing situations; he did not have a sack.

Media members did not see Scott suffer the injury because it came during the closed portion of practice, but afterward, Scott was seen using crutches in the locker room. He had been on the field at the team's indoor facility in Winter Park at the beginning of the session as the Vikings returned after five days off for their bye week.

Scott, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, started 15 games in 2005 and 13 in 2006. Both times he began the year as a backup but moved into a starting role at defensive end, helping replace the injured Kenechi Udeze in '05 and Erasmus James in '06. Udeze's season was ended because of a knee injury in the third game and James suffered a knee injury in the second.

The Vikings replaced Scott by promoting rookie guard Brian Daniels from the practice squad. That leaves the team with nine defensive linemen on the active roster and likely means James will be active for the first time this season on Sunday at Chicago. Spencer Johnson and Fred Evans are now the team's only backups to Kevin Williams and Pat Williams at the tackle spots.

Etc.

• Even after the Vikings took their bye week, running back Adrian Peterson continues to lead the NFC with 589 all-purpose yards. He ranks No. 7 overall in the NFL.

• Receiver Sidney Rice, who caught his first NFL touchdown pass Sept. 30 against Green Bay, "loves to practice," Childress said. "You rarely see a guy that goes through practice with a smile on his face," Childress said. "And that's what he does, and he's playing that way in the football games."

• The NFL still is reviewing the status of Evans, who could face a fine or suspension for violations of the league's personal conduct policy. The Vikings have deactivated him for football reasons the past three games.

• The Vikings waived linebacker Cameron Siskowic from injured reserve on Tuesday; cornerback Mike Hawkins was let go from the IR last week.

• The five interceptions by Dallas quarterback Tony Romo in the Cowboys' 25-24 victory over Buffalo on Monday tied his position coach and former Viking Wade Wilson for most picks thrown in a "Monday Night Football" game. Wilson's five interceptions also came in a victory, as the Vikings beat Denver 34-27 on Oct. 26, 1987.