Robison ready to fill whatever role

Brian Robison feels most comfortable playing right defensive end, but he displayed his versatility during one series for the Vikings on Sunday.

Robison played both defensive end positions as well as tackle in the same series during a 28-21 victory over Houston at the Metrodome. In all, Robison was on the field for 22 snaps and played all four line positions.

"The thing about this league is, the more things you can do, the better it is," he said.

Robison's role could become even bigger this week because of Jared Allen's right shoulder injury. Robison, who started five games as a rookie last season, will take over at right defensive end if Allen is unable to play Sunday against Green Bay.

Robison spelled Allen at different times Sunday -- along with every other defensive lineman -- and said he is confident he can handle an expanded role. Robison is the primary backup to both Allen and left end Ray Edwards.

"I feel like if either one of them goes down, I should be the guy who steps up and starts at that spot," Robison said. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm ready to take on a full-time role right now. I feel like if either one of those guys wasn't here, I would be the starter right now and I'd be just fine. Obviously, they are here, so I know my role."

His role is that of a utility man. The majority of Robison's playing time this season has come at left end, but he is versatile enough to play anywhere along the line in certain situations. He played tackle in nickel packages against the Texans.

Listed at 6-3 and 259 pounds, Robison said he tries to compensate for his (relative) lack of size inside by using his quickness.

"Everything happens a lot faster," he said. "The good thing is some of those guys aren't used to seeing the quickness and speed that I have on the inside like that. It's an advantage to me. But it is a little bit different game."

A fourth-round draft pick out of Texas in 2007, Robison had 4 1/2 sacks last year. His role changed after the Vikings traded for Allen over the offseason; he has no sacks and only six tackles in eight games this season.

But Robison took Allen's arrival in stride and has tried to learn from him while also making himself valuable by playing several positions. Robison frequently stays after practice to work on individual moves and drills.

"I'm always trying to think of ways to make myself better," he said. "I want to be one of those guys who's up to Jared Allen's level one of these days. That's my goal, to make sure I do whatever I have to do to get to that point."

Robison showed off a different pass-rushing move Sunday when he leaped over a blocker. He didn't get a sack, but the outcome could have been worse.

"I thought the guy was going to cut [block] me so my plan was to jump over him," Robison said. "As soon as I jumped I saw he wasn't cutting. I was just glad I didn't get hit and fall on my head."