MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings lost two offensive starters to leg injuries in Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions: tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and center John Sullivan.
Coach Brad Childress said after Minnesota's 24-10 win that both players should be all right. The Vikings have their bye next week and don't play again until Oct. 11, a Monday night road game against the New York Jets.
Shiancoe was hurt early in the third quarter. Team trainers were working on the back of his right leg, in the hamstring area. He returned for one series, then spent the rest of the second half wearing a cap on the sideline.
With the passing attack struggling, the Vikings can't afford to lose Shiancoe. He had 10 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown in their first two games, accounting for more than 40 percent of the passing production.
Sullivan hurt his left leg on the first play from scrimmage, and was replaced by utility backup Ryan Cook. Sullivan missed a large chunk of training camp because of a calf injury.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press