by Jay Glazer

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FOX Sports has learned that both of the Minnesota Vikings' Pro Bowl defensive tackles, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, are also facing suspensions for testing positive for the same product. Losing one of the Williams would be a major blow to the Vikings but to possibly lose both would serve as a major blow to the NFC North contenders.

The Williams aren't the only defensive tackles facing the penalty as well. FOX Sports has also learned that the Falcons' Grady Jackson tested positive for the water pill and is facing a four-game ban just like the other players who are currently fighting the suspension.

This trio joins, among others, Saints players Deuce McAllister, Charles Grant and Will Smith. But those aren't the only Saints to get caught in this growing web. It turns out, Saints guard Jamar Nesbit had also tested positive for the pill but he took his four-game suspension a month ago. His test, according to sources, came back earlier than the others.

The fact that Nesbit has already taken a four-game ban does not bode well for the remaining players who are attempting to fight their pending suspensions.

The Saints players' appeal, in which they have decided to band together and appeal as one, is set for the middle of November. The Vikings' suspension appeal was slated for this past week, the team's bye week, but it was pushed back.

Water pills are deemed illegal in the NFL because they can be used to mask positive steroid tests. However, considering the players who have tested positive, the intent appears to be to cut weight, and not for a masking agent.

Many of the players who have taken the product have long used water pills in order to make weight as they show up to camp or in order to make certain weight on a weekly basis. Guys like the Williams duo, Grady Jackson, Charles Grant appear on the surface to clearly fall under this reasoning.

It's a shame that players who use such pills, which are readily available at drug stores and health food stores, are swept in the same category as those who try test positive for juicing.

NEW BURRESS TROUBLE: Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burrress cannot seem to keep out of trouble with the Giants. It turns out, he did it again late this week.

FOX Sports has learned that Giants have pulled Burress from their starting lineup against the Steelers today after Burress missed several treatment sessions this week. The Giants, according to multiple sources, considered hitting him with yet another suspension but it appears they've held off on this course of action ... for now.

The sources say that not only will Burress not start in today's game versus the Steelers, but there's a chance they could hold him out for much of the game depending upon how well the Giants' offense performs.

The sources say if Burress has zero blowups or meltdowns today the punishment will stand. If not, he could face further disciplinary action.

Burress has already been suspended for his actions once this season, when he was shelved for the team's bye week and its game versus the Seahawks. This week he was fined by the league office $45,000 for several infractions in last week's game.

While the team is trying to have patience with their controversial wideout, Giants players are starting to run out of it. Several players feel that once Burress got paid it empowered him even more than it had in the past. Even some guys on offense have grown tired of his act and feel he should be suspended.

RETURN OF DAUNTE: Former Vikings, Dolphins and Raiders QB Daunte Culpepper retired from the NFL recently but it appears that retirement is now in jeopardy of being nothing more than a mere short-term phase.

FOX Sports has learned that Culpepper has agreed to go to Kansas City on Tuesday to take a physical and perhaps to work out a deal to join the struggling Chiefs offense. Culpepper is looking to hook up with a team on a multi-year deal and the Chiefs appear willing to at least discuss it with him.