Vikings’ Griffen checked for mental health episode
The Vikings sent psychologists to defensive end Everson Griffen’s suburban Minneapolis home to work with police on guiding the 33-year-old three-time Pro Bowl pick through another alarming mental health situation, with Griffen refusing to come out of his house. Griffen, who took a leave from the team in 2018 for mental health treatment, posted on Instagram screen shots of text messages to his agent, Brian Murphy, that said he needed help and people were trying to kill him. Griffen eventually left his house “without incident” and “is getting the care he needs,” the team said.
■ Hall of Fame: Seven first-time eligible former players — wide receivers Andre Johnson, Steve Smith and
Anquan Boldin, kick returner Devin Hester, linebackers Robert Mathis and Demarcus Ware and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork — are among 26 modernday semifinalists for the 2022 class.
■ Cardinals: Defensive end J.J. Watt will cover the funeral costs for the six people who died when a man drove a car into the crowd at a parade Sunday in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Watt, 32, a five-time All-pro, was born in Waukesha and played college football at Wisconsin.
■ Packers: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said his toe injury is a fractured left pinky toe and noted he doesn’t expect the situation to cause him to miss any games. “It’s all about pain management,” the reigning NFL MVP said.
■ Browns: Running back Kareem
Hunt (calf) and two-time All-pro right tackle Jack Conklin (elbow) were designated to return from injured reserve. Hunt, sidelined the past five games, believes he will play Sunday.
■ Rams: The NFL and owner Stan Kroenke will pay $790 million to settle a lawsuit filed by St. Louis interests over the team’s Los Angeles relocation. No settlement details were released.
■ Dolphins: Running back Phillip Lindsay was claimed off waivers from Houston. The 27-year-old spent his first three NFL seasons with Denver, making the Pro Bowl in 2018.
■ Ravens: Quarterback Lamar Jackson, sidelined in Week 11 because of a NON-COVID-19 illness, said he is feeling better and expects to play Sunday.