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Last Sunday morning, Everson Griffen was a surprising scratch by the Vikings prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs. We say surprising because in the days leading up to the game, Griffen wasn't even listed on the Vikings injury report in the days leading up to the game. The curious nature of the matter caused the NFL to launch a jihad an investigation as to why, and until today, we really hadn't heard anything from the team explaining why he didn't play, other than an illness.
Today, Griffen spoke to reporters, and it turned out he had a potentially serious issue he was dealing with:
Everson Griffen said medical issues came suddenly on Sunday, called it a "scary situation," adding he went to Hennepin hospital then home
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) October 22, 2015
Everson griffen lauded the Vikings medical staff for taking all precautions when he felt ill Sunday morning
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 22, 2015
Rumors are that he had a heart issue he had to deal with, although he did not confirm that with reporters:
Griffen went to HCMC and got home to watch final 5 min of Vikings game. He would not disclose medical issues nor confirm he had heart tests
— Dawn Mitchell (@DawnAtFOX9) October 22, 2015
But, thankfully, Griffen did confirm that whatever the issue was, he is fine and expects to play on Sunday against the Lions:
Griffen expects to practice in full today, sat out yesterday. "Absolutely, 100 percent" expects to play Sunday. "I'm back." #Vikings
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) October 22, 2015
In his place, rookie Danielle Hunter made the most of his sudden opportunity, and played a very good game. Still, though, knowing that Griffen is back and at 100% is great news for a Vikings defensive front that had a very good game against Detroit in their first match up. Having Griffen back is great news, and having even more depth than we thought they had is even better news.
As to the investigation that the NFL has launched or will launch, I would think it would be a pretty quick one, now that some of the details have been made public.
Or, you know, the Vikings will forfeit the entire 2016 draft and vacate their win against the Chiefs, and Griffen will be suspended for the rest of the season, because Goodell.