Christian Ponder looks for his first division victory on Sunday, which would cause an epic dance party by Ponder

Injury notes:

• LB Erin Henderson (concussion), Safety Mistral Raymond (ankle) — will NOT play Sunday versus Detroit
• Safety Andrew Sendejo — questionable

Vikings QB Christian Ponder, who was listed on Thursday’s injury report for neck issues is deemed “fine” by head coach Leslie Frazier.

“Christian [Ponder] was fine today. No problems in practice, went through everything, took all the reps. He was good,” said Frazier. “Yeah, a little soreness [on Thursday].”

Erin Henderson, who is still in the process of taking concussion tests, will be replaced, once again, by Marvin Mitchell in the starting line-up on Sunday.

Mistral Raymond, who is out three to five weeks due to a dislocated ankle, will be replaced by Jamarca Sanford who played well versus the Niners after Raymond went down.

“He did a real good job when he got into the game. He was prepared,” said Frazier. “ I told him the other day I think he’s a great example of what a veteran player, or any player, has to do if you’re not starting. Just stay prepared because you just never know. Any given play, your number could be called. He’s done a good job.”

Extra notes from Leslie Frazier’s Friday presser: » Continue reading “Friday Injury Report And Tidbits From Frazier’s Friday Presser”

The Minnesota Vikings concluded their 2012 training camp in Mankato on Wednesday.  The highlight of the final week of training camp was the activation of Adrian Peterson and his first practice with pads on Tuesday.

Adrian Peterson Update: Adrian Peterson is back with his teammates on the football field after having a season ending knee injury last year.  Although he wasn’t ready for the first day of camp, Peterson progressed in his rehab during the first two weeks and was activated off the PUP list for the final week in Mankato.  Peterson described his return to the football field like a “kid in a candy shop.”

However, his teammates, especially those on defense, are under strict restrictions when it comes to #28.

“The rules are simple,” said safety Jamarca Sanford. “Do not touch 28.   If you touch him, you’re cut.”

However, the Vikings star running back isn’t thrilled with his teammates taking it easy on him.

“I’m still going to lower my shoulder, so those guys are probably going to get tired of touching off and tired of me putting my shoulder into them,” Peterson said upon his return to the football field with pads.  ”They’ll end up firing back.”

The “Do not touch 28″ rule will eventually ease up as AP progresses, according to Frazier.

» Continue reading “News Bulletin: Vikings Wrap-Up Training Camp”

Percy #1 man at kick returner — is this part of the plan to keep him happy?
Credit: Mike Wobschall

Vikings have completed two days of practices at training camp in Mankato.  Below are some observations of practice number two from those that were there:

• Rookie CB Josh Robinson sat out of practice after pulling his hamstring yesterday.  Vikings are listing him as day-to-day.  Stephen Burton, Nick Taylor, Eric Latimore, and Adrian Peterson also did not practice today.
• Mickey Shuler is off the non-football injury list and took some backup reps at tight end
• Special teams coach Mike Priefer told reporters “Percy is our number one kick returner.” Other players who got looks at return man include Bryan Walters, Kerry Taylor, Jarius Wright, Marcus Sherels, and Josh Robinson.
• Geoff Schwartz and Brandon Fusco got reps at right guard with the ones
• Mistral Raymond and Jamarca Sanford got reps at starting safety
• Emmanuel Arceneaux looks like he has improved his route running
• Jerome Simpson dropped a pass and as self-punishment did a set of push-ups. Supposedly the crowd loved it.  Simpson also banged knees with Zackary Bowman and was slowed to get up, but returned to action.
• Adrian Peterson looks better than he did when he worked out in front of the media a few months ago
• Kicker update: Blair Walsh hit four straight 46-yard kicks and went two-of-three from 55-yards out

The Vikings reported for training camp at Mankato in the morning.  However, they don’t step foot on to the practice field until Friday.  In order to prepare for training camp, I thought I’d look at how the Vikings have at each position.

Up now, safeties and cornerbacks!

Safeties

Harrison Smith

The Vikings moved back into the first round int he 2012 draft to select Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith with aspirations of him improving the safety position.

Career stats:

• 309 tackles — 18.5 tackles for a loss
• 28 pass breakups

Mistral Raymond

The Vikings selected Mistral Raymond in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

2011 stats (10 games — 5 starts):

• 36 tackles
• 1 interception

Eric Frampton

Eric Frampton was a special teams standout in 2011 and his teammates took notice when they named their team’s Special Teams MVP.  On special teams, Frampton totaled 22 tackles.

» Continue reading “Training Camp Preview: A Glimpse At The Vikings Defensive Backs”

Credit: Aj Mansour (KFAN)

Ponder earns VCF Rookie of the Year Award: The Vikings honored QB Christian Ponder on Wednesday with their first Vikings’ Children Fund Rookie of the Year award.  A $5,000 donation will also be made in Ponder’s name to the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, according to Vikings.com.

“Christian showed great poise and leadership during his rookie season,” said Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier. “His presence in the locker room and his willingness to help teammates speaks to his character.”

“I’m honored to receive this award and hope to build a strong tradition of young players being involved in the community,” Ponder said. “As players we have the chance to make a difference in the lives of kids and families. I hope next year’s winner is as humbled by this as I am.”

The Vikings VCF Rookie of the Year award will be presented each year to a rookie from the previous season who best represented himself and the Vikings organization on and off the field.

Veteran players remain M.I.A. in voluntary workouts: Since being able to partake in his first practice since shoulder surgery, Vikings WR Percy Harvin hasn’t shown up for the past three practices.  CB Antoine Winfield and DE Jared Allen have also elected to not participate in the voluntary sessions.  RB Adrian Peterson is said to be continuing his knee rehab in Houston.  Middle LB Jasper Brinkley, who is assumed to take over the starting position after Vikings chose not to re-sign E.J. Henderson, has been out since last week following a groin strain while attempting to break-up a pass.   One positive note on the health side: WR Greg Childs,who had an injury-plagued college career, was back in action this week.  Childs has been out since suffering a calf strain at Rookie camp.

» Continue reading “Catching Up On Vikings Headlines From The Week So Far”