With Henderson injured, Herron might start again

The first play of David Herron's first NFL start Sunday was one he'll likely never forget ... but that's not necessarily a good thing.

A surprise starter in place of E.J. Henderson at middle linebacker, Herron was understandably overeager and got caught out of position on a counter play in the Vikings' 30-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Titans running back Chris Johnson ran for 9 yards on the play, but Herron managed to harness his emotions and settle down after the whistle blew.

"I think he was a little amped up," Vikings coach Brad Childress said.

"I was just anxious and was ready to get after it," said Herron, who got the start after Henderson was benched for the opening series, reportedly because he was late for a team meeting on Friday.

Herron, who finished with two tackles, said he found out two days before the game that he was starting.

"I wasn't bouncing off the walls," he said. "I looked at it as an opportunity to show what I can do. I wasn't really nervous. Just more excited."

The Vikings might be forced to rely on Herron even more, because Henderson dislocated several toes on his left foot in the second quarter. Childress described it as an "unusual" injury and said the team won't know Henderson's status for Monday's game against the New Orleans Saints until researching the injury more with doctors.

Henderson watched the end of the Tennessee game from the sidelines and was wearing a protective boot on Monday.

The Vikings could make Herron the starter or possibly move outside linebacker Ben Leber to the middle. Henderson's absence obviously would be a major loss. He is a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker, while Herron was not even guaranteed to make the team this season.

Herron played in two games as a rookie and came to training camp as the team's sixth linebacker, at best. But injuries opened the door and he played well enough to earn a roster spot.

Herron figured to make his mark playing special teams, but that could change if Henderson's injury keeps him out. Herron said he isn't approaching things any differently.

"I really don't know what E.J.'s status is," he said. "You never know when you're going to get your number called. You're not guaranteed the next play so you have to prepare like you're going to play."

Herron knows what it's like to operate in another's shadow. He spent the final two years at Warren G. Harding High in Warren, Ohio, as the lead blocker for Maurice Clarett, one of the nation's top recruits. Clarett helped Ohio State win the national title as a true freshman in 2002 before falling on hard times.

Herron was a highly regarded fullback, but Clarett grabbed most of the attention after rushing for 2,194 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior.

"They gave me some carries, but Maurice was the guy," Herron said.

Herron's younger brother, Dan, became the guy after the guy. He was a star running back at Warren Harding and is now a redshirt freshman running back for Ohio State. A backup to Beanie Wells, Dan rushed for 50 yards in a 34-21 victory against the Gophers last week.

"It's great to see my little brother doing so well," Herron said.

Aside from his first play on Sunday, David believed he did OK, too.

"I'm glad I got the opportunity to step in and do a good job for my team," he said. "I think I played all right. Of course, you never play a perfect game. You can always be better."