Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk, who underwent hip surgery on Tuesday, reportedly could be ready for the start of the 2005 season. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Wednesday that the procedure will likely keep Birk sidelined for 2-3 months. Vikings trainer Chuck Barter was quoted in the report as saying he expects Birk, who had an operation in California to repair a torn labrum in his right hip, to be sidelined for eight to 12 weeks. Barta's estimation is more optimistic than earlier reports, which projected Birk's return in three to four months. The Vikings open the season September 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Birk, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has endured three operations to repair sports hernias over the last nine months. The hip injury may have been the result of compensating for the hernias. The Vikings drafted Birk out of Harvard in the sixth round in 1998, and he went on to become an All-Pro in 2000, 2001 and 2003, as well as in an injury- plagued 2004.