Childress focused on Lions' scheme, not on QB

With Detroit quarterback Jon Kitna having failed to practice this week because of a back injury, it's looking as if fourth-year quarterback Dan Orlovsky will make his first NFL start Sunday at the Metrodome.

Lions coach Rod Marinelli said he wants to wait until Sunday before making a decision. That fact doesn't seem to concern Vikings coach Brad Childress. "I assume we're going to see Kitna," Childress said. "I expect to see the veteran, I expect to see the guy who has done it for a long time and knows the looks. With that said, we've looked at Orlovsky. But we're really more interested in scheme.

"They're not going to take a scheme that they have all through training camp and the first four games of their schedule and throw it in the toilet and have somebody else run a different offense. It's more about getting ready for their looks in situations."

Kitna has started 36 consecutive games for Detroit but left last Sunday's loss to Chicago at halftime because of back spasms. He had his back examined by a specialist Friday. Kitna told reporters in Detroit that he didn't want to talk because "I'm not going to tell the truth, so I'd rather not say anything."

Meanwhile, Lions wide receivers Calvin Johnson (knee) and Roy Williams (hip) did not practice Friday. "I think they'll be fine," Marinelli said.

Safety Madieu Williams completed his second week of practice after returning from his neck injury and said his conditioning has greatly improved. He was listed as "doubtful" on Friday's injury report after being classified as "out" for the games against Tennessee and New Orleans.

Williams said he is "very encouraged" about his progress but isn't sure when he will be back. "Right now there's no timetable," he said. "It could be before [the Oct. 26 bye], it could be after. There's a chance I might be playing this week. I haven't gotten the word yet. I practice and get my reps and prepare as if I am playing."

Wide receivers Bernard Berrian (knee) and Sidney Rice (knee) were limited in Friday's practice and are listed as questionable. Berrian had Thursday off to rest his knee and the sore right big toe that's bothered him all season. Berrian also was questionable for the Saints game but caught six passes for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Rice has sat out two of the past three games because of a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. "He's doing OK," Childress said. "He did more this week. I see more and more from him each and every week."

Also listed as questionable are linebacker Erin Henderson (concussion) and cornerback Benny Sapp (hamstring).

Vikings rookie safety Tyrell Johnson's first career interception came on a last-second desperation pass by Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Monday, but he isn't apologizing for its lack of style points.

"I take them any way they come," said Johnson, who kept the ball. "Throw-ups, tipped balls, whatever."

Johnson also added a fumble recovery in the second quarter on Reggie Bush's fumble. Johnson received a penalty during his return for attempting an illegal forward pass to defensive end Brian Robison as he was being tackled.

"I thought he was even with me," Johnson said. "I had my head down so I didn't know I was pitching it forward."

Johnson has started the first five games while veteran Williams works his way back. Johnson has collected 21 tackles and three pass breakups and played "steady," according to Childress.

"He's improved with every situation that he's seen," Childress said. "He's done his job responsibilitywise as well as he could. He's been a steady performer."