Vikings DE Griffen expected back soon


Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive end Everson Griffen of the Minnesota Vikings, who missed last Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs because of an undisclosed illness, did not practice Wednesday, but coach Mike Zimmer indicated he could return soon.

Griffen was a surprise scratch last week against the Chiefs because he was not on the injury report.

“He’s finishing up some tests today,” Zimmer told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “We’re anticipating that he’ll finish good.”

That would seem to indicate that Griffen might be able to play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

The NFL is looking into the Vikings’ failure to disclose the status of Griffen’s health as required by league rules. He was not on the Friday report and apparently took sick sometime between then and Sunday, requiring an update by the team.

Cornerback Josh Robinson (torn pectoral) practiced on Wednesday, the first time he’s been on the field with the Vikings since going on the PUP list at the start of camp.

Robinson can practice for the next three weeks before the Vikings must add him to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the season.