Bryant McKinnie
Bryant McKinnie The NFL has suspended Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie for the fist four games of the season. McKinnie violated the league's conduct policy for his involvement in a street fight outside of a Miami night-cub in February of this year. McKinnie has pleaded not-guilty to the charges and a pretrial hearing is set for next month in Miami-Dade County Court.

McKinnie was the Vikings 1st round pick in the 2002 draft and though his play has shown some inconsistency over the years, he has not missed a start since reporting to the team after holding out in his rookie season.

Filling in at left tackle and protecting the blind side of QB Tarvaris Jackson will be seven year veteran Art Hicks. Hicks started
at right guard for a season and a half before losing his job to Anthony Herrera. McKinnie will miss games against the Colts, Panthers, Titans and division rival Green Bay Packer. This will leave Hicks to deal with the likes of Indy's Dwight Freeney and Carolina's Julius Peppers. McKinnie will be eligible to return to the Viking active roster after their September 28th game against Tennessee.

In 2006 the Vikings signed McKinnie to a seven year contract extension worth $48.5 million, including $17 million in guaranteed money.

The Vikings could not be reached for comment, however when asked in the off-season about McKinnie's possible punishment, Vikings coach Brad Childress said he could not be concerned about Bryant's off the field issues.