Credit: Aj Mansour (KFAN)

Jerome Simpson impressive catch: New Vikings WR Jerome Simpson turned heads with an impressive “circus” catch over CB Chris Cook during an 11-on-11 drill.  Although Simpson will sit out the Vikings first three games of the season due to a suspension, he is becoming a go-to receiver in practice for QB Christian Ponder, who lacked a deep threat during his rookie season. Video of the catch.

“Christian just threw a great ball,” Simpson said. “I just did what I was supposed to do: catch it.”

“Anybody that witnessed that play (Wednesday), you’re going to get jacked up,” coach Leslie Frazier said. “That was an incredible play and one of the reasons we get excited about him. We’re hoping to see that on Sunday afternoons, plays like that. That will really help our team, help our quarterback’s confidence, and we need that.”

Notable players absent: Although OTAs aren’t mandatory, the Vikings have been receiving near-perfect attendance.
On Wednesday, Percy Harvin and Chad Greenway were absent.  Harvin, who returned to the practice field on Tuesday, was absent for unknown reasons, but Coach Frazier said it didn’t seem to be related to his shoulder.  Greenway, who attended his first OTA yesterday, had to leave town to attend to a family matter that prevented his attendance during last weeks OTAs.  Rookie WR Greg Childs was at practice, but  was unable to participate due to a nagging calf strain he sustained last month at Rookie Camp.  RB Adrian Peterson was absent and is said to be rehabbing at his home in Texas.  DE Jared Allen remains a no-show for the second week in a row.

FB Jerome Felton apologetic: Felton was arrested this weekend for suspicion of DWI at a McDonalds drive-thru in Eden Prairie.  During media availability on Wednesday, Felton apologized for his actions, while Frazier said he was disappointed:

Jerome Felton: “I never want to put myself in those type of situations, shed a negative light on this team and this organization. They’ve been really good to me, the fans have been great. I love it here. I can’t put myself in the negative situations that (do not have) a positive impact on the team and community. That’s something that’s very important to me, and I just want to sincerely apologize to the fans, number one, the organization and everybody around the Vikings.”

Coach Frazier:  ”I was extremely disappointed. We talked about some things when we got together for our first OTA in our meetings and how we wanted to conduct ourselves and then when a new guy comes to the club and he’s a veteran guy and something happens like it did over the weekend, it’s very disappointing.”

Vikings host special guests: For Wednesday’s practice, the Vikings were honored to have kids from the Special Olympics in attendance.

Tweets from OTA #5: