Minnesota Vikings: Notes heading into week 8

The Vikings have had quite a bit of news pop up throughout the week, from Everson Griffen returning, Mike Hughes’ surgery, practice squad moves and a few other notes. I got most of it summarized right here:

On Tuesday, the Vikings front office released a statement that said Griffen would resume football activities on Wednesday, Oct. 24. He’s been absent from the team facility for a month.

A note other than football, it’s just good to see Griffen get the help he needed, and to see him moving in the right direction. You never want to see anyone in that situation, and I’m sure people who are also struggling with mental health truly feel what he’s going through. It also tells you how supportive the Vikings organization has been with Griffen through the situation.

Head coach Mike Zimmer said in a press conference Wednesday that they’ll see how things go over the next few days, but Griffen playing Sunday is just not “the focus right now.” However, he did practice on Wednesday, and if he does the rest of the week, then I could see him getting a few snaps on Sunday night.

Hughes, who tore his ACL against the Cardinals a couple weeks ago seemed to have a successful surgery on Tuesday based off this twitter post:

It’s never good to see someone go down with an injury regardless of talent, but tough break for the young rook. I wish nothing but the best in his road to return to what he loves doing.

Undrafted free agent cornerback Holton Hill could get a lot more clock with Hughes being out. He handled kickoff returns, and did a pretty solid job doing so. He had two returns that averaged 28.5 yards. He also grabbed an interception after he replaced Xavier Rhodes (I believe it was Rhodes he replaced).

There are a couple other players that are on this week’s injury list. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday. Not a great sign, but hopefully he participates Thursday, and Friday.

Linebacker Anthony Barr (knee) did not participate on Wednesday. Another day-by-day situation similar to Rhodes’ situation. Safety Andrew Sendejo didn’t practice. Guard Tom Compton suffered an MCL sprain on Sunday, and will be listed as doubtful heading into the weekend.

Linval Joseph (ankle) practiced on Wednesday. Left tackle Riley Reiff (foot) practiced as well. Dalvin Cook will likely be out through the bye-week which is week 10.

So, Drew Brees has been breaking these records the past couple of weeks, and that’s great, because he’s truly a legend. But, the Vikings own quarterback Kirk Cousins is on pace of breaking one of Brees’ records.

Cousins leads the league with 210 completions. If he continues the path he’s on, then it won’t be long before he surpasses Brees completion record he set back in 2016 with 471. Cousins is on pace to reach 480 completions.

He’s also ranked third for passing with 2,162 yards. He only sit behinds Kansas City-sensation Patrick Mahomes (2.223) and Atlanta’s trusted veteran Matt Ryan (2,335).

Final notes are regarding practice squad changes. Here’s a tweet from Andrew Krammer:

Here’s a link to a more in-depth update on the practice squad moves.

SKOL