PRO FOOTBALL : Vikings Try to Get Some Attention Tonight

Minnesota Vikings Coach Jerry Burns is hoping sports fans in the Twin Cities are able to cheer tonight for a Vikings’ victory over Denver after following the World Series victory by the Minnesota Twins.

“Whether we can recapture that support and enthusiasm or whether the Twins have burned out the emotion and enthusiasm of the populace, I don’t know,” Burns said.

The NFL matchup between Denver and Minnesota was scheduled for Sunday but was moved to tonight because of the World Series.

Minnesota, 2-3 after non-union players have lost three straight, is hoping for a new start from the league, which reportedly is weighing adoption of a split season format or expanded playoffs to smooth out the effects of the three substitute games.

Even though the play of Denver’s non-union team has helped bring the club’s record to 3-1-1, the strike scenario did have a downside. Center Billy Bryan damaged his right knee and is considered out for the season, and receiver Steve Watson suffered six broken ribs and was still in a hospital nine days later.

A pinched nerve in his throwing arm will also sideline the Vikings’ All-Pro quarterback Tommy Kramer. Starting in his place will be Wade Wilson.