Williams to miss another exhibition game

MANKATO (AP) -- Moe Williams' bid to become the Minnesota Vikings' starting running back probably is coming to an end before it ever got started.

Williams will miss his second exhibition game, against Pittsburgh on Thursday, because of a foot injury. Williams also has missed practices to attend the funeral of a former teammate.

Meanwhile, rookie Michael Bennett made an impressive debut against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday by rushing for 79 yards on nine carries. Doug Chapman, who started, gained 21 yards rushing on six carries.

"We miss (Williams) on special teams more than anything, because he was such a great player for us," coach Dennis Green said. "Hopefully he's going to play against Indianapolis (on Aug. 24) and hopefully get in some running back action, too. But right now, he's going to be out for a couple (weeks)."

BOUMAN UPDATE: Green wasn't discouraged by the play of backup quarterback Todd Bouman, who completed only six of 15 passes against the Saints for 79 yards.

"He had some long-yardage situations; it's really hard to pick up a second-and-20," Green said. "We like his progress. Hopefully, he'll have a little better luck in the game this week."

TRIBUTE BY TREE: The Vikings will plant a tree Tuesday in honor of offensive tackle Korey Stringer, who died Aug. 1 of heatstroke.

Green and several players are expected to attend the 2 p.m. ceremonial. Others expected to attend include Mankato mayor Jeff Kagermeier and Minnesota State University president Karen Boubel.

The memorial tree will be planted in front of Gage Hall on the Minnesota State campus in Mankato, where the Vikings have held camp the past 37 seasons. That's the second-longest duration in the NFL for its teams' training camps being held in the same spot.