Status Updates: Everson Griffen, Jerome Simpson, Adrian Peterson

Aug 24, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) watches as his team plays the San Diego Chargers at the Metrodome. The Chargers win 12-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

Getting you up to speed on some Vikings who’ve missed practice this week for various reasons. Let’s start with Everson Griffen. It seems silly to even be talking about his status for Sunday’s game in light of what happened this week. If you missed it, Griffen’s mother died unexpectedly while visiting him in Minnesota. Griffen literally got the phone call from the police while at the Vikings’ facility. Obviously this was devastating to Griffen. Leslie Frazier excused him from the team and said it was up to Griffen when he returned.

Well, Griffen obviously decided that the best way to deal with his grief was returning to the team and having the distraction of practice. So Griffen came back on Friday and is, as of now, expected to travel to Washington and play on Sunday. So that’s good news for the team. Griffen has been a huge contributor this year as a situational pass rusher and would’ve been sorely missed had he needed any time away. Again, this all seems insignificant compared to the real life stuff Griffen is dealing with. But it’s good to have him nevertheless.

Second on the rundown, Jerome Simpson. This is a tricky situation and I don’t think anyone really has a full handle on it yet. Simpson had an MRI and his leg issue was shown to be related to a back issue. Rehab was chosen over surgery. Now the Vikings are in wait-and-see mode. Simpson did reportedly feel better on Friday but it’s still unknown whether he’ll be able to play. And if he does play, we don’t know how much he’ll be able to give. He clearly had diminished speed on Sunday when he caught zero balls against Tennessee.

Third, Adrian Peterson. He suffered a little ankle sprain against Tennessee and has been gimping around all week. But Peterson was reportedly “much better” on Friday and looks good to go against Washington. As if Adrian was going to miss this game. His chance to get a little revenge on the team that put him out last year. Don’t think so.

One more little update, on Percy Harvin. He’s had a bad hammy all week but guess what? He’s going to play. I have a feeling there was some hanky-panky on this one. I bet Percy was fine but the Vikes just wanted to give him a week of rest and made up the hammy. What, like teams never do that? Suuuuure.

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