Status Updates: Jerome Simpson, Adrian Peterson, Mistral Raymond

Oct 7, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) runs onto the field to start the game with the Tennessee Titans at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

We’ve got some news on some banged-up Vikings. First up, Jerome Simpson. Good things to report on Jerome. His back/leg issue seems to be under control and he’s practiced all this week without any ill-effects. So, Jerome will get the start this week, which means $60,000 in his pocket. I wonder what he’ll buy with all the money. Probably something big and gaudy and diamond-encrusted to wear around his neck. Or maybe he’ll put it away for a rainy day.

Next, Jared Allen. Jared’s had some stuff pretty much every week lately. This week it was a groin. The Vikings rested him in practice but he’s going to go on Sunday. You think Jared’s going to miss a chance to tear up that hideous Cardinals offensive line? You could chop off Jared’s leg and he’d still play in this game.

Third, Adrian Peterson. Another guy who rested all week but is going to play. Adrian admitted his ankle is hurting him but he’s going to fight through the pain. Adrian did say the ankle caused him to lose some explosion and cutting ability against Washington. So we’ll have to see what the Vikings do. Maybe this means more Toby Gerhart.

And now a little update on Mistral Raymond. He’s not ready to come back yet, but he did get some limited work this week in practice. The Vikings are now targeting the week 9 game against Seattle for Raymond’s return. There was a time when we thought his ankle injury might end the season so this is pretty good news. Raymond is expected to immediately get back into the starting line-up when he’s 100% healthy. Jamarca Sanford has done a nice job in his place.

One more non-injury-related update. Everson Griffen left the team this week to attend his mother’s funeral in Arizona. He will be back in time for Sunday.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.
Get the all-new FanSided iPhone app.
Want to blog about the Vikings? Fill out the blogger application and join the team. Serious homers, negative types, tape wonks and general wack-jobs all welcome.