Injury leaves huge void on Vikings defense

Ben Leber said it felt "weird" to walk into the linebackers' meeting room and see an empty chair where E.J. Henderson typically sits.

"It's a huge loss for us," Leber said.

The Vikings played their first full game without their starting middle linebacker, leading tackler and defensive captain Monday night in a 30-27 victory at New Orleans.

Henderson, who started 65 of the previous 67 games, had season-ending foot surgery in Baltimore last week after suffering the injury while making a tackle against Tennessee. He was diagnosed with two dislocated toes, and the impact of his loss cannot be minimized. Internally, the Vikings believed Henderson was on track to earn his first Pro Bowl invitation. Teammates thought enough of Henderson to vote him captain, even though he is extremely quiet in the locker room.

Henderson led the team in tackles three of the past four seasons and shouldered a lot of responsibility in the Tampa-2 defensive scheme.

NFL teams deal with injuries, some more significant than others. Henderson falls into that category.

"Other people have to step up and take responsibility," said linebacker Erin Henderson, E.J.'s younger brother "I don't think it's one person that can step up for him. It has to be a group effort."

The Vikings are becoming extremely thin at that position. They had only three linebackers participate fully in practice Wednesday. Erin Henderson and Vinny Ciurciu are recovering from concussions.

Former Viking Dontarrious Thomas worked out last week, and coach Brad Childress said the team might add another linebacker, depending on other areas of need.

Still, the players expressed confidence that collectively they can fill the void left by Henderson.

"It's not that we don't miss E.J.," defensive end Jared Allen said. "We do. But in this game you realize that things happen and the next player has to step up and act as if he's been there for 12 years or five years or whatever the case may be."

Erin said he has talked only briefly with his brother since his surgery. He said E.J. didn't say much, other than he hopes to return to Minnesota in a few days.

The Vikings are moving on without Henderson. Second-year player David Herron moved into the starting lineup, while outside linebacker Leber assumed Henderson's role as the middle linebacker in nickel situations.

Herron was credited with two tackles after getting his bell rung on the first play of the game.

"Those are some big shoes to fill," Herron said. "My role on the team has stepped up a level. I have to run the defense the way the coaches want it run."

Leber faced a more difficult adjustment by moving to the middle in nickel situations, something he worked on in training camp. He said the middle linebacker at times has to show more patience while also providing coverage in the deep middle of the field in the Tampa-2 scheme.

"I don't feel like it's real natural for me, but I'm working at it," Leber said.

He didn't look out of place against the Saints. Not only did Leber record seven tackles, he had an interception and broke up three passes.

"I like being in there," Leber said. "It's unfortunate that I got it because of an injury, but it's an opportunity for me and I'm just trying to make the best of it."