(Sports Network) - A Minnesota judge extended his injunction against the suspensions handed down by the NFL to five players for violating the league's anti-doping policy, according to a report by the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Thursday.

File pleadings have been postponed to December 22, which will likely allow the players to remain on the active roster for the remaining of the season.

Last week, the NFL suspended Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen Pat Williams and Kevin Williams along with New Orleans Saints' Deuce McAllister, Charles Grant and Will Smith for using a diuretic, which may potentially serve as a masking agent for steroids.

The latest development is great relief news for both clubs, especially Minnesota, which has relied on the dynamic duo in the middle of the defensive front to an NFC North-leading 8-5 record.



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