McKinnie gets start in his first game back

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: October 7, 2008 - 6:52 AM

NEW ORLEANS - Bryant McKinnie found himself in a familiar spot Monday night.

After serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, McKinnie got the start at left tackle in his first game back. McKinnie had started 89 consecutive games, including playoffs, over the past six seasons before being suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell just before the regular season.

Goodell's punishment stemmed from McKinnie's arrest outside a Miami nightclub in February, his fourth run-in with the law since the Vikings picked him in the first round (2002).

Vikings coach Brad Childress was noncommittal last week as to whether McKinnie would immediately get his starting job back.

Veteran Artis Hicks had started in place of McKinnie and, according to STATS Inc., had been charged with giving up 3.5 sacks in four games. The coaching staff, though, was pleased with Hicks' performance.

Childress wanted to watch McKinnie in practice in part to see his condition after his hiatus. The 6-foot-8 McKinnie had worked with a personal trainer.

"My whole concern was it was my first live action," said McKinnie, who played the entire game. "I'm on the road Monday night, the crowd's going to be loud. ...I've been running and working out, but football is different. But I feel good."