Vikings' leading tackler out with injury; former Spartan filling in

By Chip Scoggins • Minneapolis Star Tribune • October 9, 2008 Ben Leber said it felt “weird” to walk into the linebackers’ meeting room and see an empty chair where E.J. Henderson typically sits. “It’s a huge loss for us,” Leber said. The Vikings played their first full game without their starting middle linebacker, leading tackler and defensive captain Monday night in a 30-27 victory at New Orleans. Henderson, who started 65 of the previous 67 games, had season-ending foot surgery in Baltimore last week after suffering the injury while making a tackle against Tennessee. He was diagnosed with two dislocated toes, and the impact of his loss cannot be minimized. Internally, the Vikings believed Henderson was on track to earn his first Pro Bowl invitation. Teammates thought enough of Henderson to vote him captain, even though he... [read full story]