Vikings deactivate Brian Robison, giving Everson Griffen first start

HOUSTON -- One week wasn't enough time for Brian Robison's right shoulder to heal.

The Minnesota Vikings deactivated their starting left end for Sunday's crucial game at Houston, seven days after Robison suffered a Grade 3 sprain in a win over St. Louis.

That meant Everson Griffen was in line for his first NFL start and George Johnson -- the former Tampa Bay end promoted from the practice squad on Saturday -- was in line for action as well, with D'Aundre Reed inactive as usual.

Also inactive for the Vikings were: quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, receiver Stephen Burton, cornerback Brandon Burton, linebacker Audie Cole and offensive lineman Troy Kropog.

Inactive for the Texans were: cornerback Alan Ball; offensive linemen Antoine Caldwell, Andrew Gardner and Cody White; nose tackle Terrell McClain, safety Quintin Demps and cornerback Stanford Routt.

Demps was benched in favor of Eddie Pleasant, a rookie from Oregon who was set to make his NFL debut.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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