Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he wants to see defensive tackle Kevin Williams in Friday's practice before he determines his status for Sunday, but all signs point to Williams being able to play against the Bears.
"So far, so good," Frazier said. "If everything goes fine [Friday], looking forward to him playing on Sunday. At this point, he's doing well."
Williams missed the opener in Detroit because of a knee injury sustained in the third preseason game. Williams cleared another hurdle Thursday when he was able to practice for a second consecutive day.
"One of the first things I asked him this morning was how did he feel because you're concerned if he's going to have any swelling or soreness," Frazier said. "He said I feel pretty good. The only soreness was from inactivity, not being able to run and twist and turn. So he feels good."
The Vikings run defense in particular struggled in Williams' absence Sunday against the Lions. Jared Allen talked Thursday about what Williams' presence means to him specifically.
"Kevin has been here forever," Allen said. "Not having him on the field is different. Just having him back, I'm familiar with where he's going to be, especially if we're rushing. I know where he's going to be on certain blocks and I can play off that, and vice versa. We have that camaraderie. He's that centerpiece that kind of makes us churn. He has seniority and it's a respect thing."
INJURY REPORT: Williams, Josh Robinson (quadriceps), John Sullivan (knee) and Phil Loadholt (knee) were limited in practice.
