The Minnesota Vikings have placed defensive end Kenechi Udeze on the reserve list for 2008 as he continues his battle with leukemia.

He will not be eligible to play in 2008, but the move assures him he will retain his annual salary of just over $800,000.

Head coach Brad Childress said he can focus on getting well, something he has done a very good job with so far.

The cause of Udeze’s illness is not football related, so the Vikings are not obligated to pay his salary.