Griffen back with Vikings

Former USC star overcomes mental health concerns to rejoin Minnesota.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen is returning to the team after being out for the last month for a mental health evaluation.

The Vikings say Griffen, a former USC star, will resume team activities Wednesday. They didn’t say when he would return to game action.

Griffen, a three-time Pro Bowl player, left the team in late September after a series of events that included a welfare check at a hospital. A police report described erratic behavior that included a threat of violence at a downtown Minneapolis hotel and a text message to his wife referencing suicide.

General manager Rick Spielman said Griffen’s return comes in consultation with his doctors.

In a statement, Griffen called a return “the next step in a longer process” and said he hopes to eventually talk publicly about his issue.

Broncos’ Kelly arrested

Denver Broncos backup quarterback Chad Kelly was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of criminal trespass after a couple reported he came into their suburban house uninvited and sat down on their couch “mumbling incoherently,” according to court records.

General manager John Elway said the team was “very, very disappointed in Chad and the situation he put himself into” and suggested the Broncos were pondering Kelly’s future with the club.

Kelly attended a Halloween costume party hosted by Von Miller on Monday night that has long been a tradition for Broncos players and their significant others.

The 24-year-old Kelly posted $2,500 bond Tuesday and was released. He’s due back in court Wednesday.

Apple to Saints

The New York Giants traded cornerback Eli Apple, the 10th pick overall in the 2016 draft, to the New Orleans Saints for a fourthround pick in 2019 and a seventh-rounder in 2020.

The move marks the second time in a week the Giants (1-6) have parted ways with a recent firstround draft pick. Last week, they waived tackle Ereck Flowers, their 2015 top pick. Jacksonville signed him.

It also could be a sign the Giants, who were 3-13 last season, might deal more assets with the NFL trading deadline set for Tuesday.

Jets add receiver

The New York Jets have some much-needed help for their banged-up receiving group. They signed freeagent wide receiver Rishard Matthews, who was released by Tennessee last month after requesting the move because he felt he was being underused. He had three catches for 11 yards in three games.

The Jets were short-handed at receiver because Quincy Enunwa, who has a team-leading 22 catches, is out a few weeks with a sprained ankle.