Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams returned to practice Wednesday and said “everything’s on track” to play Sunday at Chicago after a knee injury sidelined him for Minnesota’s 34-24 season-opening loss at Detroit.

The team is scheduled for a full-pad workout Thursday, which Williams said would provide a better barometer for how his bruised right knee responds after mostly working on agility drills during his first practice in almost three weeks.

“If there’s no residual (effects) going into tomorrow, that’s always the key, and then we’ll work on Friday,” Williams said. “Today was just a chance to get off with some quick movement. We didn’t have pads on, but the guys were moving faster. There’s a chance to (go) full speed to see how the leg reacts.”

The 11-year veteran has only missed two games due to injury. He should greatly improve a Vikings run defense that yielded 117 yards against the Lions.

“Glad to have him back,” Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. “Kevin is so important to us that his absence, it makes a difference. He was one of the best ever to play the position, so any time you don’t have him, not only from a performance standpoint but a leadership standpoint, it’s going to affect your team.”

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