Minnesota linebacker E.J. Henderson (Maryland) broke his leg against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night 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 of Minnesota's 30-17 loss -- his leg twisting violently as he went down. 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.
On December 15, 2006, Henderson agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Vikings. The deal was reportedly worth over $25 million with $10 million guaranteed.
In April 2008, the Vikings signed Henderson's younger brother, Erin, as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland.
Henderson was placed on season-ending injured reserve after he dislocated multiple toes on October 6, 2008 in a game against the Tennessee Titans.
In week 13 of the 2009 season, Henderson sustained a serious injury on his left leg in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. He was removed from the field on a motorized cart, accompanied by his younger brother and teammate Erin
