By Joseph Gunther
Chad Greenway returned to practice this week for the Minnesota Vikings after missing nearly three weeks of practices and games. The veteran linebacker had been dealing with a hand injury before suffering broken ribs in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Greenway played against the New Orleans Saints the following week, but has not been able to play since.
Greenway had missed 16 games in his eight-year NFL career—all during his rookie season after suffering a torn ACL in the preseason opener.
Many were not sure when he would return to practice, but Tuesday the team listed him as a full participant.
“Yesterday we were in pads and he felt pretty good,” Zimmer said. “We’ve done another test to see where he’s at hitting-wise and he looks pretty good, so I’m going to trust him with what he says.”
There is still some concern that Greenway can re-injure his ribs. However, when asked if Greenway would start, Zimmer only said, “My thought is that if he can play, he can play.”
Zimmer also said that ultimately his status for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium would be determined after Friday’s practice.
“I’m going to make sure he’s honest with me,” he said.
Greenway recorded at least 100 tackles in all but one season in NFL and has been the leader of the Vikings defense.
Second-year former fourth round draft pick Gerald Hodges had been playing well as Greenway’s replacement, but he did not practice Tuesday nor Wednesday due to a hamstring issue. If Hodges cannot play, Audie Cole will likely serve as Greenway’s backup.
The Vikings defensive line took a hit with starting defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (elbow/ankle) and reserve defensive end Corey Wootton (low back) missed Tuesday and Wednesday’s practices. The other starting defensive tackle Linval Joseph (ankle) was limited in both practices. It does not sound like the team is concerned of their status for Sunday’s game.
Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (hip) has been hampered for several weeks, but says he is feeling better this week. The Vikings have wanted to get him the ball, but have found it difficult this season. He is among the team’s leader in targets, but has just 17 catches for 204 yards through six games.
The Bills listed wide receiver Marcus Easley (knee) and linebacker Ty Powell (ankle) as non-participants in Thursday’s practice. They also list defensive tackle Kyle Williams (knee), safety Da’Norris Searcy (knee), linebacker Brandon Spikes (ribs), safety Aaron Williams (wrist/neck) and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (hamstring) as limited participants as well as long snapper Garrison Sanborn (knee) as a full participant.
The Complete injury Report
The Vikings listed tight end Kyle Rudolph (abdomen/groin), Hodges (hamstring), Wootton (low back), Floyd (elbow/ankle) and linebacker Michael Mauti (illness) as non-participants in Thursday’s practice.
The team listed Joseph (ankle) as a limited participant in Thursday’s practice.
They listed Greenway (hand/rib), cornerback Jabari Price (hamstring), Patterson (hip), tight end Chase Ford (foot) and safety Harrison Smith (ankle) as full participants in Thursday’s practice.
For more Vikings news and updates, visit Vikings Central.
Joseph Gunther is an avid fan of Minnesota sports, including football, hockey and baseball. He covered a wide variety of sports while attending Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. While at Hastings College, he was a part of the first collegiate media group to broadcast a national tournament via television, radio, internet and newspaper at the 2004 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament. He grew up in the Twin Cities playing three years of varsity football in high school. Joseph is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
