Continued: Suspensions leave defensive line thin

Vikings safety Darren Sharper said recently that he refused to think Pro Bowl defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams could be suspended for the final four games this season.

"That's a nightmare," he said. "You don't like to have nightmares. I won't let that thought cross my mind."

That nightmare became a reality when the NFL suspended the Williamses on Tuesday after they tested positive for a banned diuretic that can serve as a masking agent for steroids. Their suspensions leave a gaping hole in the middle of the Vikings defensive line.

Filling the hole likely will fall on the shoulders of Fred Evans and Ellis Wyms. Defensive end Brian Robison could have helped, but he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday and could be sidelined several weeks, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The Vikings also have rookie defensive tackle Letroy Guion, who has been inactive for all but one game and is dealing with an ankle injury.

The Vikings could make additional roster moves as early as today, barring legal action that holds up the suspensions. The Williamses will be exempt from the 53-man roster while they serve their suspensions.

The "Williams Wall" gave the Vikings perhaps the top tackle tandem in the NFL and are key cogs in a defense that ranks second in the league in run defense and eighth in total defense.

Kevin Williams appeared on track to earn his fourth Pro Bowl trip in the past five seasons. He is third on the team in tackles with 70 and second in 8 1/2 sacks. Pat Williams is one of the top run stoppers in the NFL and has 53 tackles.

"Those guys are two All-Pro defensive tackles, and you would like to have them in the game," Sharper said in an interview before the suspensions. "It would be a different world without them."

Sharper and other members of the defense have said they believe Evans and Wyms can pick up the slack if thrust into starting roles. Evans is Pat Williams' primary backup, while Wyms is behind Kevin on the depth chart.

Both Evans and Wyms have played in all 12 games this season and been used in different situations. The coaching staff has used Evans for entire series in order to keep Pat Williams fresh. Evans has collected nine tackles and 13 quarterback hurries.

Wyms, an eight-year veteran who signed with the Vikings last offseason, typically replaces Pat Williams in nickel situations and has recorded three tackles and one sack.

The Vikings also could use Robison when he returns. He limped off the field in the second quarter of Sunday's 34-14 victory against the Bears. Robison is more comfortable playing defensive end, but he has seen action at all four line spots this season. He is undersized (6-3, 259 pounds) by tackle standards, but he uses his speed to compensate.

"Everything happens a lot faster [at tackle]," Robison said recently. "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."