Vikings get more-optimistic timetable on Schwartz

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings will be without offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz for four to six weeks, a relatively short recovery period for a sports hernia surgery.

Schwartz had the procedure Tuesday in Philadelphia. Coach Leslie Frazier said the team might be able to get him back by the regular season opener Sept. 9. Schwartz was competing with Brandon Fusco for the starting right guard spot.

Frazier also said that no further damage was found in the knees of wide receiver Greg Childs, who had surgery Monday in the Twin Cities area to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in each leg, a devastating injury that put his career in jeopardy before it began. Childs will do his rehabilitation with the team.

Updated August 7, 2012