Vikings’ Griffen in 14-hour standoff
The Minnesota Vikings said Wednesday that defensive end Everson Griffen left his house and is getting help after barricading himself inside for 14 hours following a series of disturbing posts on Instagram claiming that someone was in his home trying to kill him.
“Law enforcement agencies have notified us Everson Griffen came out of his home without incident and is now getting the care he needs,” the Vikings said in a statement. “... Our focus remains on Everson’s health and safety and providing the proper resources for him and his family.”
Griffen, who took a leave from the team in 2018 for mental health treatment, posted on Instagram screenshots of middle-of-the-night text messages to his agent that were pleas for help because he said people were trying to kill him. Griffen also posted a video depicting him with a gun.
Asked whether Griffen would play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, coach Mike Zimmer said, “No, that’s really not our concern right now. It’s really about him.”
Ware step closer to Hall of Fame
Seven first-time eligible former players, including ex-cowboys pass rusher Demarcus Ware and former Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, are among 26 modern-day semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2022.
Joining them as first-year candidates are receivers Steve Smith and Anquan Boldin, kick returner Devin Hester, pass rusher Robert Mathis and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Each last played in the 2016 season.
Former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson and linebacker Zach Thomas also were among those who made the cut.
Rodgers playing with broken toe
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said his toe injury is a fracture but that he doesn’t expect to miss any games.
Rodgers said he played with the toe injury each of the past two games after missing a 13-7 loss at Kansas City because of a positive COVID-19 test. The reigning MVP said the injury occurred while working out at home during his quarantine.
St. Louis settles for $790 million
Attorneys representing St. Louis and the NFL reached a $790 million settlement of the city’s lawsuit over the Rams’ relocation to Los Angeles in 2016.
The deal doesn’t include a provision for St. Louis to be awarded an expansion franchise.
Odds and ends
Cowboys coach Mike Mccarthy said WR Ceedee Lamb (concussion) is on track to play Thursday against the Raiders . ...
The Saints ruled out Pro Bowl RB Alvin Kamara (knee) for Thursday night’s game against the Bills . ...
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (illness) said he’s feeling better and expects to play Sunday night against Cleveland . ...
The Browns designated RB Kareem Hunt (calf ) and two-time All-pro RT Jack Conklin (elbow) for return from injured reserve . ...
The Dolphins claimed former Texans RB Phillip Lindsay off waivers.