Team brings back Harris for help at linebacker

The Vikings will add another familiar face to their depleted linebacker corps. Napoleon Harris, the team's starting middle linebacker in 2006, agreed to a one-year contract with the team Wednesday night after visiting Winter Park and undergoing a physical, his agent, Doug Hendrickson, said in an e-mail. The deal is expected to be signed today.

Coach Brad Childress' revelation about Harris' visit Wednesday came as a surprise considering his first trip had been scheduled to be in Detroit. But the fact the Vikings are a better team and have a real need at middle linebacker might have made them more attractive.

Harris, who was released by Kansas City on Tuesday, didn't play in a game for the Chiefs this season but could help the Vikings.

The team lost starting middle linebacker E.J. Henderson (dislocated toes) for the season, and his replacement, David Herron, suffered a hip injury last Sunday against Detroit and did not practice Wednesday.

At this point, it appears as if Dontarrious Thomas could get the start Sunday in Chicago. Thomas, who played for the Vikings from 2004 to 2007, was re-signed Monday but hasn't played since being let go by the 49ers before the season. He took some reps with the first team Wednesday. Ben Leber and backup Vinny Ciurciu are also options to play in the middle.

"He spent all day in here [Tuesday]," Childress said. "You're always amazed with what you retain and recall. You remember him starting for three games when Napoleon was hurt [in 2006]. There is a chance, but you have to go out there today and get a look a that conditioning and where he is, fact and recall wise."

One reason Harris likely was attracted to returning to Minnesota is because of his familiarity with linebackers coach Fred Pagac. Pagac served as Harris' position coach for two seasons in Oakland (2002-03) and one season (2006) with the Vikings.

Harris had 96 tackles, 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback pressures and three interceptions in 14 games in '06. "Napo had one of his best years here before he left," safety Darren Sharper said. "It's a similar scheme, so he'd be familiar with that."

Harris left as a free agent after that season in large part because the Vikings had signed Henderson to a five-year extension worth more than $25 million.

Henderson replaced Harris at middle linebacker.

Harris received a six-year, $24 million deal with the Chiefs that included $7.5 million in guarantees. He led the Chiefs with 116 tackles last season, but clearly fell out of favor this year. It's likely Harris will move back into the starting role with the Vikings.

• Safety Madieu Williams, who suffered a neck injury early in training camp and has yet to play this season, has been cleared to participate fully in practice. He still was limited Wednesday and it's not certain when he will make his Vikings debut.

"We're easing him back in and [will] make a decision where he's at at the end of the week,'' Childress said.

• Childress said rookie defensive tackle Letroy Guion missed practice because he is in Florida to be present for the birth of his child. ... Linebackers Erin Henderson (knee) and Herron were the only Vikings who did not practice Wednesday.

Staff writer Chip Scoggins contributed to this notebook.