Decision on Vikings' "Williams Wall" Could Come as Soon as Thursday

Although Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams do not have a court date until June 15, U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson could in fact make a ruling on the players' future due to a "motion for summary judgment." This gives Judge Magnuson the ability to decide on the case if he believes there are enough facts available that are not disputed by either side.

The Pro Bowl defensive tackles were suspended for four games last season after testing positive for bumetanide, a diuretic that is banned by the NFL.

Bumetanide is a drug that is contained in StarCaps, a supplement that helps a person lose weight but can also be used to mask steroids.

The Williams' case is that bumetanide was not listed on the label for StarCaps and that the league did not inform the players of the drug. They will argue that they each had weight clauses in their contracts with the Vikings and that they were using the product to meet their prescribed weight.

Three players with the New Orleans Saints were also suspended for testing positive for the drug.

Last season the Williams were granted a temporary restraining order from the NFL, letting them play the rest of the season.

Now the two defensive tackles are seeking to overturn the four game suspension handed down by the league, as well as $10 million in damages.

This will be a big decision that will effect the early part of the season for the Vikings. Not having either will make it easier to run on a defense that finished first in the category last season.

If they are indeed handed the suspension, defensive tackles Fred Evans and Jimmy Kennedy will take over on the inside. The team also could re-sign Ellis Wyms, who is still a free agent if the ruling doesn't go in favor of the Vikings starting defensive tackles.