NFL spotlights Minnesota in back-to-back night games

The Vikings' four-game winning streak and late-season playoff push have landed them a second prime-time appearance.

The NFL announced Monday that the Vikings game against Washington on Dec. 23 at the Metrodome will be moved to a 7:15 p.m. start and aired on NBC. The league reserves the right to shift a Sunday afternoon game to Sunday night in Weeks 11 through 17 as part of its flexible scheduling system.

This the second year of the flex plan, which is in place to avoid ending up with unattractive matchups for the NFL's marquee prime-time window each week. NBC, which also plays a role in picking new games, had been scheduled to air Tampa Bay (8-5) at San Francisco (3-10) on Dec. 23.

The league and NBC also considered moving the Giants (9-4) and Buffalo (7-6) but decided on the Vikings (7-6) against Washington (6-7). The latter matchup is not only one that could be important in the NFC playoff picture, but it also will give NBC a chance to showcase Vikings rookie sensation Adrian Peterson.

This will mark the Vikings' first appearance on NBC's Sunday night game. The Vikings, who play host to Chicago next Monday on ESPN, will now have back-to-back night games.

Coach Brad Childress likes the idea of having his players put in the situation of playing in a marquee game.

"I think it's good that they all realize that they have a chance to have their peers watching, and you always want recognition by your peers and how you get that is by playing well as a team first of all and then as an individual," Childress said.Another opinion

Receiver Troy Williamson, who hasn't played the past two games and continues to experience headaches after suffering a concussion on Nov. 25 against the Giants, will see a neurologist today.
"We're still having questions, even though he practiced last week, about headaches that continue to linger," Childress said.

Williamson said after Sunday's victory over San Francisco that he could have played in the game.
In other injury news:

• Offensive lineman Artis Hicks continues to be slowed by a sore back after having spasms last week. He was inactive for Sunday's game. Hicks does not have a disk injury, but it is something "structural," Childress said. With Hicks out, backup right tackle Marcus Johnson also would be the top replacement at guard.

• Nickel back Charles Gordon (quad contusion) and defensive end Brian Robison (gluteal contusion) received treatment Monday but their injuries don't appear to be serious.

Scoring change
For the second consecutive week, a Vikings defensive lineman has had an interception changed to a fumble recovery after a review by the Elias Sports Bureau. Last week, it was left end Kenechi Udeze.

On Monday, the NFL's official statistician ruled the third-quarter play on which nose tackle Pat Williams appeared to intercept a pass by Shaun Hill actually was a fumble recovery because the arm of the 49ers quarterback was going backward when he lost the ball. The Vikings also were awarded a team sack, giving them three Sunday.

The interception would have been the second of Williams' 11-year career. The change means that defensive tackle Kevin Williams had the only interception for the Vikings on Sunday.Etc.
• Defensive tackle Fred Evans has been reinstated by the NFL after a two-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The Vikings will need to put Evans back on their roster, meaning defensive tackle Conrad Bolston could be cut and placed back on the practice squad if he clears waivers.

• With the Vikings not playing until Monday, the players are essentially off until Thursday.

This article was found in the Star tribune in Minnespolia and written by Judd Zulgad.