"Bernard Berrian is not 100 percent because of a hamstring injury and is questionable for the Vikings' opener Sunday at Cleveland.

The receiver suffered the injury in the first preseason game. Berrian acknowledged missing valuable practice time with quarterback Brett Favre, calling it "bad timing."

"Coming in and getting slowed down a little bit has been hard because I worked really hard this offseason to try and elevate my game and take it to another level," Berrian said. "I've been slowed, but now I'm back in it. No excuses anymore."

Vikings coach Brad Childress said he will see how Berrian feels during a walk-through this morning and then consult with the medical staff before determining whether he will play. "You don't miss three weeks and be 100 percent," Childress said.

Heart of the matter News that defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams will be able to play this season without a four-game suspension after earning a legal victory in their StarCaps case Friday brought a sense of relief.

"They are pretty much the heart of the defense," defensive end Ray Edwards said. "You can't really do too much without your heart."

The court case likely won't be resolved until next spring.

"It was a big weight off our shoulders," Kevin Williams said. "Instead of playing game by game we know what's ahead of us. We can play this year. I think it's big for the team to know where we stand."

What schism? Not long after there were reports his presence had caused a "schism" in the locker room, quarterback Brett Favre has been elected a captain by his teammates. He will be joined by guard Steve Hutchinson, linebacker E.J. Henderson, Kevin Williams and kicker Ryan Longwell. A sixth captain, from special teams, will rotate game by game.

Taking care of business Browns coach Eric Mangini has declined to announce whether veteran Hank Fraley or rookie Alex Mack will start at center Sunday.

Pat Williams said he doesn't care who is in the game."