Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk will not return to uniform for the entirety of the 2005 season as he recovers from surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left hip. "I got a voice mail saying they are going to 'I.R.' Matt, and that they were claiming an offensive lineman off waivers," agent Joe Linta told ESPN.com. "So that's it. The crazy thing is, Matt is supposed to meet with [new Vikings owner Zygi] Wilf on Wednesday. I don't know what that conversation will be about."

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Cottrell is scheduled to undergo surgery today after suffering a compound fracture on his left fibula in yesterdays practice. Cottrell will be in a cast for four to six weeks. "I have a call into the Vikings to find out their plans," Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Chargo said. "I don't want to assume what they'll do. We'd like for them to put him on injured reserve [which would end his season] and give him a year to develop with the team."

After the Minnesota Vikings passed on his request for a guaranteed contract through 2006, center Matt Birk has opted to undergoe hip surgery that will keep him sidelined for three months. "They've turned down all our proposals," Burk?s agent Joe Linta told The Associated Press. "For Matt, it's probably the best thing. I just feel like the Vikings are making a big mistake. The risk is so minimal for them."

On paper, it does look impressive. Consider what the Minnesota Vikings have added to their embattled defense since pedestrian receiver Freddie Mitchell embarrassed them and ended their season. Free agency, trades and the draft netted defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell six new starters including run stuffing nose tackle Pat Williams, pass rushing end Erasmus James, middle linebacker Sam Cowart, outside linebacker Napoleon Harris, cornerback Fred Smoot and free safety Darren Sharper. But.... even with the added talent, don?t expect a big turnaround in Minnesota?s defensive fortunes for 2005. The problem?.....Cottrell.

Receiving an $8 million dollar raise was enough to satisfy Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, at least for this season. "It is a step towards the direction that I want to go," Culpepper said as the Vikings resumed training camp at Minnesota State, Mankato. "I feel real confident that the Vikings organization is definitely going to be a part of that, helping me get to that point because I'm going to do my part, and I know that they will because they told me. ... [The] best way to say [how I feel] is I'm satisfied right now and I'm ready to get to the world championship." Under the new terms, Culpepper is guaranteed about $11 million by March 2006.

The details of the new contract are unknown at this time, however it has been cofirmed that Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper will get a pay increase on his current 10-year $102 million contract. "He's a premier player in this league, and we felt like his contract needed an adjustment to reflect that," Vikings vice-president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said. "Zygi stepped up, like he's done with everything else." Players were unavailable for comment on Sunday, enjoying their first day off since training camp began last week. The Vikings resume practice in Mankato on Monday morning. "It's a tremendous gesture, without a doubt," Culpepper's agent Mason Ashe said, "that the owner recognizes his leadership and his ability and the fact that he's underpaid."

Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper was not present during both of Minnesota?s Saturday practices and is now rumored to be reworking his contract with the organization. Vikings coach Mike Tice indicated after the morning practice that a few players were excused for "personal reasons." He only specifically mentioned first-year guard Shannon Snell, but his umbrella certainly covered Culpepper and running back Michael Bennett, neither of whom was at either practice. Both sides have been mum on the real reason regarding Culpepper?s absence and that silence has led to mass speculation regarding Culpepper?s current contract which has the star QB earning $102 million over 10 years. A respectable number that has since been passed by more than 18 other NFL players.

The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a contract with their first round pick, wide receiver Troy Williams. The deal will last five years and could be worth up to $32 million total, including $13.3 million in guaranteed money. The Vikings are hoping Williamson can replace the void left by Randy Moss' departure.