NFL
Vikings' Bennett questionable for season opener
By The Source
Aug 29, 2004

Eden Prairie, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings starting running back Michael Bennett is questionable for the team's season opener against Dallas on September 12.

Bennett sprained his right knee in the third quarter of Friday's preseason game against San Francisco. After an MRI Saturday revealed more damage than originally thought, Bennett could miss up to three weeks of action. He will not play in Thursday's exhibition finale in Seattle.

The injury to Bennett could 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.