Vikings DE Brian Robison was forced from Sunday's game against the Rams with a shoulder injury, and will not return.

Robison went down early in the first quarter, and was formally ruled out at halftime. Everson Griffen has seen an uptick in snaps in Robison's absence, and responded with a pick-six of Sam Bradford. Robison was immediately shuttled to the locker room upon going down, so it's possible he's suffered a season-ending injury.

After reviewing all of the Vikings' 2011 defensive snaps, 1500 ESPN's Tom Pelissero expects LE Brian Robison to "justify his deal and then some" going forward.

The Vikings were criticized in some circles for giving Robison a three-year, $14.1 million contract last March, and letting free agent Ray Edwards walk. The move paid off. Robison played 82.7 percent of the Vikings' 2011 defensive snaps, racking up eight sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 54 total pressures. Edwards finished 2011 in Atlanta with 3.5 sacks, 8.5 QB hits, and 26 pressures. (Pressure and quarterback hits numbers are from ProFootballFocus.com.)

Vikings LE Brian Robison is done for the day with a concussion.

He finished with just two tackles. Robison was down for a while after a play late in the second quarter, and was seen holding his head in his hands. Everson Griffen figures to finish out the contest at left defensive end.

Brian Robison is expected to open the season as the Vikings' clear-cut starting left defensive end.

Free agent Ray Edwards won't be back. Robison's playing time and stats have dwindled behind Edwards in recent seasons, but he'll now be facing the same single teams Edwards used to prey on. Consider Robison a worthwhile IDP sleeper.

The Vikings reportedly agreed to terms with DE Brian Robison on a three-year, $14 million contract.

The deal comes with a $6.5 million signing bonus. The Vikes are moving on from free agent Ray Edwards, so it was important to protect themselves by locking up Robison as a replacement at left end. Robison managed just two sacks last season, but he impressed new coach Leslie Frazier with his edge pressure down the stretch. The signing allows the Vikes increased flexibility with the No. 12 overall pick in the draft.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Judd Zulgad believes the Vikings have a better chance to re-sign free agent DE Brian Robison than free agent DE Ray Edwards.

"I really don't think Edwards returns," insists Zulgad. Re-signing the starting left end just isn't in the cards with so much money committed to the rest of the Vikings' defensive line and linebacker crew. Robison should be quite a bit cheaper. The 28-year-old is coming off a two-sack season.

Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier said that while LE Ray Edwards (ankle) will regain his starting job when he's healthy, Brian Robison has made a case to receive more playing time.

Since taking over for Edwards at halftime in Week 12, Robinson has a sack, six quarterback hurries, four tackles and two fumble recoveries. "... he gave us great edge pressure all throughout the day and he played the run better, which is something he wanted to improve on going into the season after last season," Frazier said.

Vikings DL Brian Robison was shaken up in the second quarter of Monday's Week 5 game against the Vikings.

Robison has injured his ankle and his return is questionable.

Brian Robison took the majority of offseason snaps at left defensive end this offseason with unsigned restricted free agent Ray Edwards staying away.

Edwards is expected to sign his tender as soon as today, sending Robison back to the bench. Robison, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, will simply spell the Vikings' dominant pass-rushing duo of Jared Allen and Edwards this season.