Minneapolis, MN -- (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings safety Madieu Williams could miss the first three weeks of the regular season due to a neck injury.

Williams, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, missed Friday's preseason opener with neck spasms and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune cited sources as saying the former Cincinnati Bengal could be sidelined for the next six weeks.

Minnesota signed the 2004 second-round pick of the Bengals to a six-year, $33 million contract in the offseason. His likely replacement comes in the form of rookie Tyrell Johnson, who was chosen by the Vikings out of Arkansas State with a second-round selection in April's draft.

In 49 career games, the 26-year-old Williams registered 290 tackles, four sacks and nine interceptions during his four-year tenure with the Bengals.