EDEN PRAIRIE, (AP) &045; The latest bad news arrived for Minnesota in the form of a small fracture in cornerback Fred Smoot’s right collarbone.

While Smoot was torched by Steve Smith for 201 receiving yards in an Oct. 30 loss to Carolina, the Vikings have been more than happy with his addition to the secondary. Missing him for the next four to six weeks will hurt.

&8220;It is a terrible setback for us and our defense, just when we are coming off a pretty solid game,&8221; coach Mike Tice said.

The knock on Smoot was that he couldn’t tackle well, but he has done much better in that area than the team expected.

&8220;He is a very aware football player,&8221; Tice said. &8220;He has been taught very well.&8221;

With Brian Williams moving into the starting lineup, Ralph Brown will become the fifth defensive

back for the nickel unit. In light of veteran Ken Irvin’s release this week, rookies Dovonte Edwards and Laroni Gallishaw will share time in the dime situations.

&8220;I have a lot of confidence in those young guys,&8221; Tice said.

NOT SO TIGHT COVERAGE: One area where the Vikings have been susceptible on defense is covering opposing tight ends. They’ve given up nine touchdown receptions to tight ends in eight games, as well as some above-average yardage totals, putting fantasy football players on high alert.

Defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell insisted this week that they’ve corrected those problems.

&8220;There hasn’t been anything devastating on long, deep throws,&8221; he said. &8220;It’s just been stuff that’s short. We have to play it better. Just be a little more aware.&8221;

Jeremy Shockey, the flamboyant Pro Bowl tight end for the New York Giants, will give Minnesota a big test at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Linebacker Dontarrious Thomas, in the nickel defense, draws many of the coverage assignments involving tight ends.

&8220;We definitely try to eliminate some of the things tight ends do, but you don’t necessarily just focus on them,&8221; Thomas said. &8220;We focus on the offense as a whole.&8221;

Even so, Shockey will be a big focus this week.

&8220;Thing is, we have to go out and try to contain him and not let him get any big game-breaking plays on us,&8221; Thomas said. &8220;QUICK HITS: Wide receiver Troy Williamson was added to the injury report after Wednesday’s practice, which he missed due to a stomach virus. He’s listed as probable. … Linebacker Napoleon Harris missed practice for personal reasons. … Defensive lineman Spencer Johnson is back to doubtful this week with another knee injury. … Running back Moe Williams is also doubtful. Athletic trainer Chuck Barta said Williams went through the first half of practice before becoming sore.