Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams has a bone bruise on his left knee but is expected to start on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game against New Orleans, according to a tweet from NFL Network reporter Jason LaCanfora.
Williams did not practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday -- starting left defensive end Ray Edwards also sat out again because of a knee injury -- but he was seen after the morning walk-through and was wearing a protective sleeve on his knee.
Williams recently was named to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his seven-year career and is a key reason the Vikings have been so good against the run. Minnesota was No. 2 in the NFL this season vs. the run. While Williams won't be 100 percent for Sunday's game, his absence would be a major blow to a team that is trying to slow the high-powered Saints.
