NFL
Vikings' Bennett out for season opener
By The Source
Aug 30, 2004

Eden Prairie, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings starting running back Michael Bennett will miss the team's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 12 with a sprained right knee.

Bennett suffered the injury in the third quarter of last Friday's preseason game against San Francisco. After an MRI Saturday revealed more damage than originally thought, Bennett might be back in Week 2 versus Philadelphia. He will not play in Thursday's exhibition finale in Seattle.

The injury to Bennett will most likely press goal-line specialist Moe Williams into starting duties as second-year man Onterrio Smith is likely facing a league-mandated, four-game suspension for a repeated violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Bennett was hampered by foot and ankle injuries last season and was limited to just eight games, gaining 447 yards on 90 carries with one touchdown.

Starting left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who also suffered a knee injury on the same play as Bennett, is expected to ready for the regular-season opener.