Griffen to remain away from Vikings
Last week, the Vikings were concerned enough about Everson Griffen’s state of mind that they barred the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end from practice until he had a mental health evaluation.
After a troubling series of incidents Saturday, Griffen remained away from the team Tuesday and out of action indefinitely. Coach Mike Zimmer said Griffen would not travel with the team to play the Rams on Thursday.
“The only thing we really are concerned about for Everson isn’t anything to do with football. It’s about him getting better,” Zimmer said.
According to police in Minnetrista, the Minneapolis suburb where he lives, Griffen was making comments about people trying to kill him. He was eventually transported by ambulance to an area hospital for his well- being, despite jumping out of the vehicle at one point during a brief stop for crossing deer. He was never arrested or suspected of committing any crimes.
“I just hope for the best for him,” Zimmer said. “In the long run he’s a really good kid.”
After Griffen agreed to the hospital visit, officers summoned by paramedics after the stop for the deer found him walking on the side of a county road. Griffen told them he was afraid “someone was going to shoot him.” The officers convinced him to return to the ambulance and lie down on a stretcher inside.
Stephen Weatherly has taken the 30-year-old Griffen’s place in the starting lineup.
Rams cornerback Aqib Talib will undergo surgery Thursday to repair an ankle injury.
Rams coach Sean McVay said a timetable for Talib’s return will not be known until after the procedure is completed and the full extent of the injury he sustained in the second half of the 35-23 win over the Chargers on Sunday is determined.
Talib has six tackles, two passes defended and one forced fumble in three games this season, helping the Rams limit opponents to 199 yards passing per game and only two touchdown passes.
Jameis Winston is back, though the Buccaneers still aren’t saying if it’s as the starting QB. Winston’s three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy ended Tuesday, the first day the fourth-year pro was permitted to return to the team’s training facility and have contact with coaches and teammates. Coach Dirk Koetter declined to say whether Winston or Ryan Fitzpatrick — who has the Bucs off to a 2-1 start while throwing for more than 400 yards in a league-record three consecutive games — will start Sunday against the Bears. ... The Panthers addressed their injury-depleted offensive line by acquiring veteran Marshall Newhouse from the Bills for a conditional draft pick. ... With Marcus Mariota dealing with an injured elbow and backup Blaine Gabbert in the concussion protocol, the Titans agreed to terms with veteran QB Austin Davis. They placed OL Kevin Pamphile on injured reserve to create a roster spot.