When Vidic, 29, was injured against West Brom on Sunday it was originally thought he would be out for two weeks.
"It is difficult to say with calves but it is longer than we thought," admitted Ferguson.
But there was better news about Rio Ferdinand, who could return from a hamstring injury by the end of August.
It was thought that Ferdinand, who like Vidic was replaced during the West Brom game, would be sidelined until the start of October.
That would have resulted in him missing England's upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales, but further tests have shown he could now return in time for the Premier League champions' home match against Arsenal on 28 August.
"Rio is not as bad as we thought and he could be ready for our game with Arsenal," said Ferguson.
"I don't think he'll be ready for Monday, but it's amazing how assessments can change in the space of a few days."
Ferguson will now pair Phil Jones and Jonny Evans together at the heart of his defence for the visit of Tottenham on Monday, while Chris Smalling will fill in at right-back.
The 69-year-old at least has Patrice Evra available again at left-back after he missed the game at West Brom with a knee injury, but Rafael da Silva faces about 10 weeks out with a dislocated shoulder.
He appeared as a substitute in the 3-2 Community Shield win over Manchester City but was subsequently injured in training.
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