Hicks will take over for Cook at right tackle

Ryan Cook's streak of consecutive starts at right tackle will end at 29. Vikings coach Brad Childress said Wednesday that veteran Artis Hicks will replace the struggling Cook for Sunday's game at Jacksonville.

"It's a cumulative work," Childress said. "You're trying to put yourself in the best position to win games. That's all I'm doing."

If Childress was considering making a switch before the Vikings' 19-13 loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday, he likely had little question in his mind after Cook was called for a false start penalty for the third consecutive game and also was beaten for a sack on the Vikings' final drive by Buccaneers defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson. Cook has seven penalties this season, including five false starts.

Cook admitted his performance against Green Bay and Tampa Bay "wasn't very good," but added, "I'm not very happy with the decision but that's the decision they made and I'm here to support Artis in all of his endeavors and the team as well."

A surprise second-round pick in 2006 -- Cook was taken with the selection obtained from the Miami Dolphins for quarterback Daunte Culpepper -- Cook was moved to right tackle after having played center at New Mexico. Inactive for the first 10 games of his rookie season, Cook played in the final six and started the last three.

The move is interesting given Hicks' lack of experience at right tackle. Hicks has started 53 regular-season games in his seven-year career: 27 at left guard, 18 at right guard and eight at left tackle. Hicks estimates he has played two or three snaps at right tackle in his career.

Hicks battled top-notch pass rushers while filling in at left tackle for Bryant McKinnie, who was suspended for the opening four games of this season. Hicks was obtained by the Vikings from Philadelphia in 2006 and moved to right guard. He started 14 games that season and the first four of 2007 before being replaced by Anthony Herrera.

Hicks is more comfortable playing on the left side, but he is confident this move can work because his preference is to play tackle.

"Naturally I am a tackle," said Hicks, who has practiced at every line position but center since McKinnie returned. "I've played tackle the majority of my career, even going back from middle school to high school to college. Just naturally I'm a tackle. I tell people a lot of times that I'm a tackle by nature and a guard by trade."

Cook is expected to see time at several spots on the line in practice. "I do still think of myself as a tackle, but obviously being a swingman now, it creates opportunities for more situations and more positions," he said. "Whenever I'm called upon, I'll be ready."