Evans' success rate goes up as weight goes down

Vikings backup defensive tackle Fred Evans arrived at training camp 10 pounds lighter after defensive line coach Karl Dunbar suggested he lose some weight this offseason. Not coincidentally, Evans has seen his playing time and production increase considerably from last season.

The backup to Pro Bowl tackle Pat Williams, Evans has three tackles (one for loss) and is fourth on the team with four quarterback hurries. Those are modest numbers but an improvement from last season, when Evans collected only five tackles, one sack and two quarterback hurries in 11 games.

Evans said he feels better after going from 305 pounds to 295 this offseason.

"I lost a lot of fat so it wasn't like I lost a lot of strength," he said. "It's helped my quickness and helps me get off the ball quicker."

Evans' improvement allows Williams to player fewer snaps in base-defense situations, which should help reduce some of his wear and tear. Evans, for instance, played 19 snaps against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.

"I want to be the best player I can be and just show them that whenever they need me they can count on me," Evans said.

Evans said the first step was to lose weight, which he accomplished while working out at a training facility near his home in Chicago.

"I've always been kind of strong naturally so I wasn't really concerned about losing strength," he said. "It actually turned out for the better. I just never really had a goal. Even if I lost about 4 or 5 [pounds] then whatever after that was just extra for me."

The status of middle linebacker E.J. Henderson should become a bit more clear today when the Vikings return to practice after two days off. Henderson suffered two dislocated toes on his left foot during Sunday's loss to Tennessee and was wearing a boot Monday, according to coach Brad Childress.

Under NFL rules the Vikings had to not only issue an injury report Wednesday, despite the fact they did not practice, but also had to project whether players would be held out or limited.

Henderson was the only player who was listed as not participating in the mythical practice.

Tight end Jim Kleinsasser (foot) was added to the report after injuring his foot against the Titans. He was joined by safety Madieu Williams (neck), wide receiver Sidney Rice (knee), defensive end Ray Edwards (shoulder) and linebacker Vinny Ciurciu (knee).

• Today will mark the first practice for left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who returned Monday from a four-game NFL suspension.

• Childress and New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton both attended Eastern Illinois.