EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison played only 40 of the team's 60 defensive snaps on Sunday in Tampa Bay after logging at least 60 in five of the team's previous six games. Robison didn't offer much detail on Monday about what was bothering him, saying only he was dealing with some "bruises."

Now we know. Robison did not practice Wednesday and was listed on the Vikings' injury report with a gluteal injury (which might also explain why the normally forthcoming defensive end didn't want to talk much about it). Considering Robison was able to play two-thirds of the Vikings' snaps on Sunday, the injury seems unlikely to keep him off the field, but the Vikings will have to monitor Robison's health in their final game before their bye week.

Situations such as these are why it's particularly useful for the Vikings to have Corey Wootton, who had 7 1/2 sacks two years ago with the Bears and has proved to be a capable backup for both Robison and Everson Griffen. Wootton played 24 snaps on Sunday, registering three tackles, and if he's asked to take on a larger role on Sunday, the Vikings should be in good hands. Rookie Scott Crichton could also get more work this week after playing eight snaps when Wootton was hurt two weeks ago. He returned to the inactive list last Sunday.

Cornerback Jabari Price missed practice with a lingering hamstring injury and tight end Kyle Rudolph also sat out, though he continued to do some conditioning work on the side as he recovers from sports hernia surgery. Tight end Chase Ford (foot) and cornerback Josh Robinson (ankle) both appeared to be struggling with their injuries in the portion of practice open to the media, and both were limited in practice. Safety Antone Exum (ankle/shoulder) and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (ankle/knee) also were limited.