Suspended NFL performers to keep playing

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A Minnesota judge Thursday extended his injunction allowing five suspended players to play despite apparently violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson in Minneapolis told attorneys representing the players – defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams of the Vikings and defensive tackle Will Smith, defensive end Charles Grant and running back Deuce McAllister of New Orleans – to devise a plan by Dec. 22.

The injunction allows the five to play at least two more weeks.

The players, who were not available immediately for comments, were suspended following positive tests in training camp this summer for Bumetanide in the diuretics they were using.

Bumetanide is on the league's list of banned substances.

The attorneys claimed earlier this month that the manufacturers were guilty of fraud for not fully disclosing its ingredients.