The Minnesota Vikings defensive end was placed on injured reserve today and will need surgery again to repair the ACL in his left knee.

James, injured early in Sunday's game against Detroit, first tore his left ACL in Week 2 last season. He missed the rest of the year and a good portion of 2007 working his way back into shape.

After several setbacks, it appeared he was back on track when he reclaimed his starting spot at left defensive end against the Lions. Minnesota coach Brad Childress said James "had an episode" on the third or fourth play of the game but was able to finish. An MRI revealed the injury.

Childress said it was tough to see James injured so quickly after a long and arduous rehab.

"He just kept pushing and pushing and pushing through there," Childress said. "He was to the point where he could put it on the field and bring it pretty good, and it just tells you how fragile those things are."

It was the second significant blow to the Vikings defensive line this week. Ray Edwards, who started the first 11 games before giving way to James last week, was suspended Wednesday for violating the NFL's policy on steroids.