Vikings LB E.J. Henderson suffers broken leg

GLENDALE, Ariz.(AP) — Minnesota linebacker E.J. Henderson broke
his leg against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in a brutal
injury that will apparently sideline him for the season while
dealing a serious blow to the Vikings’ defensive unit.

Henderson fractured his femur while trying to tackle Tim
Hightower late in the fourth quarter – his leg twisting
violently as he went down. He was taken off the field on a
motorized cart after doctors spent several minutes attending to
the star linebacker. His brother and teammate, Erin, held
Henderson’s hand as they were driven to the locker room.

Coach Brad Childress said Henderson will spend the night in
Phoenix and undergo surgery.

Henderson has been a key part of Minnesota’s defensive success
this season, and it was the second straight year that his season
was cut short with injury.

The mood in the locker room around the Henderson injury was
somber as many players just shook their heads in disgust at the
horrific injury.

“I feel bad for E.J.,” Vikings quarterback Brett Favre said.
“That’s awful for him and for our team.”