Description: The Vikings have decided to shift Joe Webb from QB to a full-time wide receiver, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Insight: Webb was thrown into the fire in January when Christian Ponder couldn't start Minnesota's playoff game against the Packers due to an elbow injury. Webb completed just 11-of-30 in the game and the Vikings lost 24-10. Minnesota signed Matt Cassel to back up Ponder this season. With Greg Jennings, Jerome Simpson, Jarius Wright and rookie first-rounder Cordarrelle Patterson ahead of him on the depth chart and the Vikings using a run-first offense, Webb won't have any fantasy value.
Description: The Minnesota Vikings used their third first-round pick (No. 29) on Tennessee wideout Cordarrelle Patterson.
Insight: He's a bit raw, but has the size (6-3, 216 pounds) and speed (4.42) to become a No. 1 receiver. Patterson played just one season at the FBS level, catching 46 balls for 778 yards and five touchdowns. He set a Tennessee record of 1,858 all-purpose yards. He'll be a risky pick, but has a huge top end if he quickly develops a rapport with quarterback Christian Ponder.
Description: Vikings superstar running back Adrian Peterson vowed to run for 2,500 yards this season, according to Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune.
Insight: We like AP's confidence, but we have no illusions of that actually happening. Fantasy owners will be ecstatic if he simply repeats last season's production (2,097 rushing, 217 receiving, 13 TDs).
Description: After trading Percy Harvin last week, the Vikings have snagged receiver Greg Jennings from the rival Packers with a five-year, $47.5 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Insight: Jennings was nagged by a groin injury for most of last season and only played eight games while catching 36 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns. That came after he played only 13 games in 2011-12. Even if he stays healthy, having Christian Ponder instead of Aaron Rodgers as his QB will make it difficult for him to post his first 1,000-yard season since 2010-11 unless Ponder takes a major step forward. The signing probably does more to keep defenses from loading the box in front of Adrian Peterson than anything else.
Description: After being released earlier today, quarterback Matt Cassel has signed on with the Minnesota Vikings, according to Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com.
Insight: The inconsistent Christian Ponder has already been named the Vikings starting quarterback going into his third professional season. Cassel won't challenge the starting job but does provide the Vikings with a capable backup who can start a few games if needed.
Description: The Vikings have re-signed Jerome Simpson to a one-year contract.
Insight: At this moment Simpson is Minnesota's No. 1 receiver after Percy Harvin was traded to Seattle. He had just 274 yards and zero touchdowns in 12 games last season.
Description: According to CBS Minnesota, the reason receiver Percy Harvin left the Vikings this season was not because of his ankle injury, but because of a blowup he had with coach Leslie Frazier. The team will explore trade options for the talented multi-purpose receiver.
Insight: Sources told WCCO's Mike Max that Harvin unleashed an "embarrassing tirade directed toward Frazier, disrespecting the coach during the season when Harvin was sidelined with an injured ankle." He had a similar blow up with former coach Brad Childress. There will likely be plenty of suitors for Harvin.
Description: League MVP Adrian Peterson had hernia surgery on Wednesday.
Insight: Peterson told ESPN that the pain he was in was a "10 out of 10" when he played the Texans in Week 16. Somehow, Peterson came back to rush for 199 yards and a touchdown a week later against the Packers. Peterson is a super-hero and should be the No. 1 pick in all fantasy drafts next fall.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been honored as the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 2012 season.
Insight: Some thought Peyton Manning deserved the award but it's hard to ignore Peterson's absurd rushing total (2,097 yards, second all-time) and the impact he had on the Vikings, who went from 3-13 in 2011 to 10-6 this season. It would be an upset if anyone other than Peterson is the No. 1 pick in fantasy next season.
Description: Vikings defensive end Jared Allen had surgery to fix a torn shoulder labrum on Thursday.
Insight: Allen played through the injury all season and his stats suffered because of it (12 sacks in 2012 compared to 22 the year before). With a healthy shoulder, Allen should be able to return to the form that made him one of the league's most dominant defenders in 2011.
Description: Vikings general manager Rick Spielman is hoping the team will be able to retain wide receiver Jerome Simpson in free agency.
Insight: You probably remember Simpson for his absurd touchdown flip that was No. 1 on the SportsCenter Top 10 for about a year. The flip was pretty spectacular but aside from that, Simpson hasn't accomplished all that much in his four NFL seasons (1,278 yards on 97 catches). It's possible Simpson could play a larger role in the Minnesota offense if disgruntled wideout Percy Harvin asks for a trade but we're not too optimistic.
Description: Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said that Christian Ponder will be the team's starting quarterback in 2013. "He's out starter," Frazier said in his postseason media conference on Tuesday. SOURCE: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities
Insight: Ponder missed the team's Wild Card loss to Green Bay due to a elbow bursitis but backup Joe Webb did nothing to suggest he will be a threat to Ponder in 2013. The third-year QB out of Florida State will have to make significant strides next season to be viewed as a viable QB2.
Description: Despite their differences, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier expects receiver Percy Harvin to return next season. SOURCE: Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Insight: Harvin and Frazier allegedly had a spat last month but Frazier doesn't believe the riff will impact Harvin's future with the team. We'll wait to hear Harvin's side of the story before jumping to any conclusions.
Description: Elbow bursitis will keep quarterback Christian Ponder on the sidelines Saturday when the Vikings take on the Packers.
Insight: It's the first game Ponder has missed since becoming the starter halfway through the 2011 season. With Ponder sidelined, Joe Webb will draw the start at quarterback for Minnesota. Webb has not attempted a pass yet this season so the Vikings will probably look to use Adrian Peterson as much as possible on Saturday night.
Description: The Vikings still haven't determined whether Christian Ponder or Joe Webb will start at QB Saturday night for the Wild Card game against Green Bay but it is "looking more likely" Webb will start. SOURCE: Dan Wiederer, Star Tribune
Insight: Ponder has elbow bursitis and didn't practice all week while Webb handled first-team reps. Playoff league fantasy owners who are desperate for an active starting quarterback should hit the free agent wire and add Webb immediately.
Description: Vikings players haven't been told whether Christian Ponder or Joe Webb will start at quarterback on Saturday night in the Wild Card game against the Packers. However, the team is saying publicly that Ponder will play. SOURCE: Jay Glazer, FOX Sports
Insight: Ponder is dealing with elbow bursitis so Webb took all the first-team reps in practice this week. Webb started several games in place of an injured Brett Favre two years ago and played in limited duty last season. The QB should obviously be added in playoff fantasy leagues in case he has to start.
Description: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson was a full participant in Friday's practice and is listed as probable for Saturday's playoff game.
Insight: He has been on the injury report for one reason or another for most of the season, but that didn't keep him from coming within eight yards of Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season rushing record. The Vikings star running back rushed for 210 yards in his first meeting against the Packers and 199 yards last Sunday. He'll be ready.
Description: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, who was a no-show for Wednesday and Thursday's practice, was a limited participant on Friday and is questionable for Saturday's NFC playoff game against Green Bay. He's dealing with pain and swelling in a fractured hand.
Insight: Facing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' talented receivers without Winfield would not be good for the Vikings' defense. If he can't go, the value of Rodgers and his receivers must be raised.
Description: Cornerback A.J. Jefferson has been dealing with an ankle injury, but got in three full days of practice this week and is listed as probable for Saturday's playoff game.
Insight: If CB Antoine Winfield (broken hand) isn't available, Jefferson along with Marcus Sherels would have to pick up the slack which means trying to slow down the likes of Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb. Tough assignment!
Description: Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen, who has been playing with a sore shoulder, was a full participant in all three practices this week and will be ready to go against the Packers.
Insight: Allen hasn't been as dominant this season (12 sacks. 46 tackles) as he was a year ago when he produced a league-best 22 sacks, but he'll need to be at his best to help slow the Green Bay passing attack.
Description: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield was a no-show at practice for a second consecutive day, but he is still considered probable for Saturday's NFC Wild Card Playoff against Green Bay. He's dealing with pain and swelling in a fractured hand.
Insight: Facing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' talented receivers without Winfield would not be good for the Vikings' defense. If he can't go, the value of Rodgers and his receivers must be raised.
Description: Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder bruised his elbow Sunday against the Packers and was limited in practice Wednesday as a result. SOURCE: Judd Zulgad, 1500ESPN.com
Insight: Vikings coach Leslie Frazier didn't seem overly concerned about Ponder, according to Zulgad. Ponder is by far the worst of the eight quarterbacks who will play this weekend in the first round of the NFL playoffs, but he did have 234 yards and three touchdowns with zero turnovers last week against the same team he'll play Saturday night, the Green Bay Packers.
Description: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson has been on the injury report for one reason or another for most of the season, but that didn't keep him from coming within eight yards of Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season rushing record.
Insight: The Vikings star running back and top candidate for league MVP and Comeback Player of the Year honors (along with Peyton Manning) rushed for 210 yards in his first meeting against the Packers and 199 yards on Sunday. This groin injury will not slow him down.
Description: Vikings QB Christian Ponder threw for his highest yardage total since Week 8 and tied a career-high with three touchdown passes Sunday against Green Bay.
Insight: Ponder hasn't had to do much besides turn around and hand the ball of to 2,000-yard rusher Adrian Peterson in the second half of the season, so Sunday's performance will likely go unnoticed.
Description: Nine more yards. That's all Adrian Peterson needed to break Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season rushing record Sunday against the Packers. However, fantasy owners won't be unhappy with 199 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries to go along with a two-yard touchdown catch.
Insight: Simply amazing. The Vikings running back will have to settle for the second-most rushing yards in a single season with 2,097 ... and a playoff spot for Minnesota. One year ago today, Peterson underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL; now he's on top of the world as a potential NFL MVP.
Description: Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson was kept out of pracrice on Wednesday, according to a St. Paul Pioneer Press report. He's dealing with a sore abdomen.
Insight: AD's quest for the single-season rushing yards record took a major hit Sunday after Peterson rushed for just 86 yards on 25 carries. He'll need a monster effort against the Packers next week to have any shot of approaching Eric Dickerson's 2,105 yards (213 yards to tie).
Description: Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson was kept on the sidelines late in Sunday's win against Houston because of a sore abdomen.
Insight: AD's quest for the single-season rushing yards record took a major hit Sunday after Peterson rushed for just 86 yards on 25 carries. He'll need a monster effort against the Packers next week to have any shot of approaching Eric Dickerson's 2,105 yards.
Description: After being held to 86 rushing yards on 25 carries Sunday against Houston, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson stands 208 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season record with one game left.
Insight: Peterson has rushed for 200 yards twice in the last four games so the record is certainly still in reach. The Vikings running back also needs just 102 yards to become the seventh player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.
Description: ESPN Twin Cities reports that Vikings receiver Percy Harvin and head coach Leslie Frazier had a falling out recently.
Insight: Harvin and Frazier's relationship has always been pretty shaky but apparently the two went at it again in a verbal altercation earlier this month. ESPN Twin Cities speculates the spat could have something to do with Harvin being placed on injured reserve. Harvin requested a trade before the season and it looks like he might request one again this offseason.
Description: Adrian Peterson's pursuit of Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record continued on Sunday with another 200-yard performance.
Insight: The Vikings running back is now just 293 yards away from Dickerson's all-time rushing mark and just 188 yards away from becoming the seventh player in NFL history to crack 2,000 yards rushing in one season. Peterson (212 yards, one TD Sunday against St. Louis) seems like a fairly obvious choice for league MVP at this point.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin tweeted that he would be undergoing "minor surgery" on Saturday.
Insight: Harvin didn't tweet any details about the operation but we're guessing he's getting his ankle cleaned up. The fourth-year wideout has been out since Week 9 with a sprained ankle. He was recently placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Description: Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's game against the Rams.
Insight: Rudolph has eight receiving touchdowns on the year but he's also recorded two receptions or less five times, including three with zero catches. Vikings QB Christian Ponder has been a mess since Week 4 and only had 91 yards passing in Week 14 so Rudolph represents a major risk. You don't want to be taking a goose egg from your tight end in the fantasy semi-finals.
Description: Before the first quarter was over Sunday against the Bears, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson already had 100 yards and two scores. He finished with 154 on 31 carries.
Insight: With top receiver Percy Harvin out, Minnesota is going to ride the super freak Peterson whether they're winning or losing. What Peterson has done in his last seven games would be amazing even if he didn't tear his ACL less than 12 months ago -- 152 carries, 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns. Peterson is on pace for a career-high 1,969 yards on the ground.
Description: Minnesota wideout Percy Harvin, out since suffering an ankle injury in Week 9, has been placed on injured reserve.
Insight: His season is officially over. Harvin had been off to the best start of his career (62 catches, 677 yards before his injury) but unforuntately he was only able to make it through nine games. If he's healthy going into 2013, Harvin should be among the first receivers taken in fantasy.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin's ankle injury was more severe than many realized. Harvin suffered a complete ligament tear that can take 4-6 weeks to completely heal. SOURCE: 1500 ESPN Twin Cities
Insight: Harvin will try to practice again Wednesday. He's currently in his fifth week of recovery after suffering the injury on Nov. 4 at Seattle. 1500 ESPN Twin Cities suggests that Harvin could take a painkilling injection on game day, but notes "those work by reducing inflammation, which is what promotes the healing Harvin sorely needs."
Description: Vikings coach Leslie Frazier "hopes" to have wide receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) back for Week 14, but its not a certainty.
Insight: Harvin returned to practice last Wednesday but was limping on his cuts. He didn't dress for practice the next two days and missed Sunday's game with Green Bay. fantasy owners should plan on him missing another week.
Description: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson exploded for a season-high 210 rushing yards Sunday in a loss to Green Bay.
Insight: This was Peterson's third 200-yard game of his career. He's now eclipsed 100 yards rushing in each of his last six games. With a late push, it's possible Peterson could reach 2,000 yards for the season, a feat no one has accomplished since Chris Johnson went off for 2,006 yards back in 2009.
Description: Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game. SOURCE: Tom Pelissero, 1500 ESPN Twin Cities
Insight: Harvin returned to practice Wednesday but was limping on his cuts. He didn't dress for practice the next two days. Rookie Jarius Wright has received 15 targets in the two games Harvin has missed.
Description: Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) was a participant in Wednesday'a practice but was limping out of his breaks, according to Tom Palissero.
Insight: Good news that he's back on the practice field, but bad news for fantasy owners if he can't cut. He's still a huge question mark for Week 13 as he hasn't made much improvement over the past few days. Expect to be without Harvin in Week 13.
Description: Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) was a participant in Wednesday'a practice but was limping out of his breaks, according to Tom Palissero.
Insight: Good news that he's back on the practice field, but bad news for fantasy owners if he can't cut. He's still a huge question mark for Week 13, but worth paying close attention over the next few days to see how much he improves.
Description: At his press conference, Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier said that running back Adrian Peterson finished Sunday's game with a slight shoulder sprain, but should be ready to play in Week 13.
Insight: Peterson can't be stopped by a mere shoulder sprain. He's already played through an ankle injury this season after coming back from major knee surgery in December and yet still leads the league with 1,236 yards rushing.
Description: Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph will undergo concussion protocol this week. SOURCE: Ben Goessling, Pioneer Press
Insight: Rudolph had five receiving touchdowns in the first five games but had just two catches in his next three games, including zero in Week 7 and Week 9. He's rebounded with 12 catches on 18 targets for 115 yards and two scores over his past two games but is questionable for Week 13 versus Green Bay.
Description: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson is in coach Leslie Frazier's doghouse after he missed the team bus and had to take a cab from the hotel to the stadium. Said Frazier: "There is something that Adrian and I need to talk about regarding getting to the stadium." SOURCE: Pioneer Press
Insight: Peterson then lost a fumble on his third carry of the game. Still, the superstar finished with 108 yards against the Bears defense in a game Minnesota trailed 25-3. Peterson has rushed for 737 of his 1,236 yards this season in his last five games. He's averaging 5.8 yards per carry, while quarterback Christian Ponder is only throwing for 6.1 yards per attempt.
Description: Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin, who did not travel with the team to Chicago, is questionable for Sunday's game against Green Bay with an ankle injury.
Insight: Speaking after Sunday's game coach Leslie Frazier didn't have a timetable for his return. Stay tuned.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin missed practice on Friday to rest his sprained ankle. He's unlikely to play this week against the Bears.
Insight: Minnesota was hoping to have Harvin back after the bye week but his recovery has gone slower than expected. Harvin leads the team in receiving with 677 yards in nine games.
Description: Updating a previous report, the Vikings are "holding out slim hope" that receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) can practice Friday, a source said. If he can't practice, he won't play Sunday versus Chicago. SOURCE: Tom Pelissero, 1500 ESPN Twin Cities
Insight: CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora reported earlier that Harvin wouldn't play in Week 12 but the team hasn't ruled out its top receiving threat just yet. We still consider him doubtful, however, and should know his official status Friday.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin will not play Sunday against the Bears. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBSSports.com
Insight: Harvin missed Week 10 and still wasn't able to get healthy during the Vikings' bye week. He still hasn't practiced and now you have to wonder if he'll even be able to return for Week 13 at Green Bay.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin, who missed Week 10 due to an ankle injury, was not at Monday's practice, according to beat writer Tom Pelissero.
Insight: Harvin will likely be a game-time call Sunday whether he practices this week or not. The Vikings desperately need his receiving talents if they are going to have a chance when they visit Chicago.
Description: Playing without top receiver Percy Harvin, Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder still put together his finest effort in weeks, throwing for 221 yards and two scores Sunday against the Lions.
Insight: Ponder hit rookie Jarius Wright, active for the first time this season, and tight end Kyle Rudolph for touchdowns. The sophomore QB came in having thrown for less than 100 yards in two of the last three games and eight picks in the last five.
Description: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson has rushed for 629 yards and five touchdowns in the last four games.
Insight: Peterson continues to amaze; he looks better than ever despite suffering a seemingly catastrophic knee injury less than 11 months ago. His latest masterpiece was a 171-yard, 27-carry thrashing of the Lions in Week 10, giving him 1,128 yards on 195 carries (5.8 ypc) through 10 games.
Description: Vikings coach Leslie Frazier expects to have receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) back after the bye week. SOURCE: Tom Pelissero, 1500 ESPN Twin Cities
Insight: Harvin was inactive Sunday against the Lions with an ankle injury. He'll have two weeks to let his sprained ankle heal.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin has been ruled out for Week 10 due to an ankle injury. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: Like Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez, Harvin was supposed to be a game-time call Sunday but he was ruled out Saturday instead. That should save fantasy owners from having to make a tough last-second roster decision while also providing more time to find an alternative.
Description: According to ESPN's NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert, Vikings receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) was walking with a significant limp Thursday.
Insight: "Harvin emerged briefly from the Vikings' training room Thursday during the media's locker-room access, and his slow, halting limp hardly resembled the gait of a player who is three days away from playing in a professional football game," Seifert wrote. A lot would have to change between Thursday and Sunday for Harvin to suit up. Fantasy owners searching for a source of optimism can look to 2010, when Harvin sprained the same ankle, limped badly in pre-game warmups the next week and still finished with 126 yards against the Cardinals.
Description: Vikings coach Leslie Frazier indicated that if receiver Percy Harvin (ankle) can practice Friday "we'd play him and rest him after the game." Minnesota has a bye in Week 11. SOURCE: Star Tribune
Insight: ESPN's NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert noted that Harvin was walking with a serious limp Thursday and did not look like someone who would be able to play a football game in three days. We should have a clearer picture Friday of Harvin's status for Sunday against the Lions.
Description: Lions beat writer Dave Birkett is reporting that in a conference call Vikings coach Leslie Frazier thinks Percy Harvin's ankle is much improved and he is day-to-day.
Insight: Despite all Harvin's injuries over the years, he's missed just three games. Still, it's a long shot that Harvin plays this week and fantasy owners should prepare for him to be inactive.
Description: Percy Harvin's ankle injury appears to be more serious than the Vikings had originally thought.
Insight: Harvin's ankle is sprained in three places and was described by ESPN Twin Cities radio host Judd Zulgad as "a big-time long shot" to play Sunday against Detroit. Wideout Michael Jenkins should see a boost in fantasy ownership this week with Harvin unlikely to suit up.
Description: Vikings wideout Percy Harvin suffered a mild ankle sprain Sunday versus the Seahawks.
Insight: Harvin went for an MRI on Monday and this is what the doctors found. Harvin returned to action after the initial injury on Sunday but sometimes injuries like this are worse the day after when swelling begins to occur. It's unknown whether or not he'll be available for next week's matchup against Detroit.
Description: Vikings coach Leslie Frazier insists that quarterback Christian Ponder is in no danger of losing his job despite another subpar effort Sunday against the Seahawks.
Insight: Ponder finished the afternoon with just 63 yards passing and a 37.3 quarterback rating. He's thrown at least one interception in each of his last five games and certainly won't fare much better next week if Percy Harvin (ankle injury) is unable to suit up.
Description: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson racked up an amazing 182 yards rushing Sunday against the Seahawks.
Insight: With his two touchdowns on Sunday, Peterson now has six rushing scores for the season. Over his last three games, Peterson has piled up 458 rushing yards for an average of 153 ypg.
Description: Minnesota wideout Percy Harvin has returned to action after briefly sitting out with a left ankle injury.
Insight: The Vikings are trailing by seven in the fourth quarter so the NFL's receiving yards leader still has time to pad his stats with a few garbage time catches.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson didn't practice much this week, but he's a full go against a tough Seattle defense.
Insight: Peterson didn't let major knee surgery get in the way of his season so an ankle sprain wasn't going to stop him. Peterson is averaging 109 ypg rushing over his last five contests.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin is active as expected.
Insight: Harvin was limited Wednesday due to a tight hamstring but his absence Thursday was for a family matter. He was never in danger of missing the game and is a must start with 60 catches, 667 yards and three touchdowns in six games.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin (hamstring) was actually held out of Thursday's practice due to a family issue, coach Leslie Frazier said.
Insight: Harvin was limited Wednesday due to a tight hamstring but his absence Thursday evidently had nothing to do with that. Expect him to play Sunday.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin was held out of practice Thursday due to a hamstring injury. He was limited Wednesday.
Insight: This could be a precautionary measure to keep Harvin healthy for Sunday's game. We should know more information after Friday's practice session.
Description: Vikings cornerback Chris Cook broke his arm Thursday night against the Buccaneers. He's out indefinitely.
Insight: Cook could be done for the year. Third-year cornerback A.J. Jefferson is expected to take the injured Cook's place in the Minnesota secondary.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson likely won't practice in this short work week with a Thursday game on the schedule, but his sore ankle won't keep him out of the game.
Insight: Peterson didn't let major knee surgery get in the way of his season so an ankle sprain isn't going to stop him. Peterson is averaging 105.5 ypg over his last four contests.
Description: Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph didn't have a reception in Week 7 against the Cardinals.
Insight: Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder only threw for 58 yards on 8-of-17 passing as the team went with a more Adrian Peterson-centric approach. Rudolph was targeted four times, second most on the team, and should have an easier time Thursday against the Buccaneers.
Description: Running back Adrian Peterson rescued the Vikings Sunday in a win over Arizona by collecting 153 yards rushing on 23 carries.
Insight: It was Peterson's first 100-yard game since September 30th and the touchdown he scored was his first since September 9th's season opener against Jacksonville. He's only seven yards behind Houston's Arian Foster for the league-lead in rushing yards.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) didn't practice again Thursday but he expects to play Sunday, according to Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Insight: Peterson didn't practice Wednesday either but it seems like Minnesota is just hold the star running back out as a precaution. Even with a bum ankle, Peterson still hung 129 total yards on 24 touches on the Redskins last week.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday but it was just a precautionary measure, according to Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Insight: Peterson didn't practice last Wednesday either and he still hung 129 total yards on 24 touches on the Redskins.
Description: Minnesota wideout Jerome Simpson said he's certain he'll return to action Sunday against the Cardinals, according to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. However, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said Simpson must display that his back problem is behind him.
Insight: Simpson missed last week's game against the Redskins. The receiver has an added incentive to play since he loses part of his roster bonus every game he's not on the game day roster. "You lose 60 thousand dollars, you'd be mad too," Simpson said. Simpson has been dealing with a back injury that has caused numbness and weakness in the lower part of one of the receiver's legs.
Description: Minnesota wideout Jerome Simpson was limited during Friday's practice and he'll likely be a game-time decision.
Insight: Too bad Simpson is hurting with a matchup against the Redskins' porous defense which has allowed 1,643 passing yards in five games. Percy Harvin is still the only Vikings receiver worthy of everyday fantasy status.
Description: Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder is probable for Sunday's game against Washington. He practiced all week and should be ready to go against a weak Redskins pass defense.
Insight: Ponder had a solid day against Tennessee last Sunday, throwing for 258 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and with a favorable matchup could be used as a bye week quarterback against Washington.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin was back on the field for Friday's practice. The injury has been called just a tightness in the hamstring, not the more serious pulled hammy.
Insight: Harvin was always expected to play in Week 6 against the Redskins. Hopefully the hamstring injury won't limited the explosiveness of one of the NFL's most electric multi-purpose players.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin had a limited practice session Thursday due to a hamstring injury.
Insight: Harvin is still expected to play in Week 6 against the Redskins. Hopefully the hamstring injury won't limited the explosiveness of one of the NFL's most electric multi-purpose players.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson said there is "no doubt" in his mind he will play Sunday against the Redskins, according to ESPN 1500 Twin Cities.
Insight: Peterson mildly sprained his ankle in Week 5 but he played through it and rushed for 88 yards on 17 carries. The running back is still undergoing treatment to try to remove some soreness but he should be ready to go Sunday against the same team he tore his ACL and MCL against last season. "I don't think it's going to hinder me from being able to play and push through," Peterson said of his ankle injury. "I've pushed through worse ankle injuries than the one I have."
Description: Minnesota wideout Jerome Simpson could have an issue with a disc in his back that is causing weakness and numbness in one of his legs, according to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Insight: Simpson had an MRI Tuesday that revealed the back issue. The team will pursue nonsurgical options but may have to opt for microdiscectomy surgery that would sideline Simpson for six weeks. We doubt he'll play this Sunday, even if he is able to avoid surgery.
Description: Minnesota wideout Jerome Simpson will have an MRI on Monday to see why he was forced out of Sunday's game due to leg weakness. The results apparently focus on a back problem, according to a Judd Zulgad report.
Insight: Simpson had four catches for 50 yards in Week 4, his first game back, after serving a three-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. We were expecting a good game from him against a vulnerable Titans pass defense, but at least we now know why he wasn't on the field for much of the game.
Description: Minnesota wideout Jerome Simpson will have an MRI on Monday to see why he was forced out of Sunday's game due to leg weakness. He was held without a catch.
Insight: Simpson had four catches for 50 yards in Week 4, his first game back, after serving a three-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. We were expecting good from him against a vulnerable Titans pass defense.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin scored his first two touchdowns from scrimmage this season Sunday against the Titans.
Insight: Harvin had a 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown last week. On Sunday, he got in on a rush and a reception and finished with 116 yards on 10 touches (8 catches, 2 carries).
Description: Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (concussion) returned to practice as a full participant Thursday. He's expected to start Sunday, but CBSSports.com's Joe Oberle reports he won't immediately get his full role back.
Insight: Henderson had 22 total tackles over his first two games but he missed the last two with a concussion. He's expected to start and play in base defenses on Sunday but Jasper Brinkley will continue to fill the middle linebacker role in nickel situations.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin only had 34 yards from scrimmage on six touches but he made up for it by taking the opening kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown.
Insight: Harvin can do it all but Minnesota played a conservative game and let its defense handle the rest. The receiver was seen jogging to the locker room with trainers on Detroit's first drive of the second half but he eventually returned to the game.
Description: Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph was back at practice and on schedule to play in Week 4 against Detroit.
Insight: Rudolph has three touchdown receptions in the last two weeks and is one of improved Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder's top targets. He has 13 receptions for 138 yards and three scores through the first three games of the season and can be considered a legitimate TE1 in fantasy, particularly against the injured Lions secondary.
Description: Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has "tension" in his neck but he's still expected to start Sunday against the Lions, according to Judd Zulgad of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Insight: Ponder has been the league's most-improved quarterback, leading the team to a 2-1 record with 713 yards, four passing touchdowns and a rushing score with zero picks in three games. He's elevated himself to QB2 territory.
Description: Minnesota's newly acquired wideout Jerome Simpson, who was been suspended for the first three games of the 2012 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, will be part of the game plan in Week 4, says coach Leslie Frazier.
Insight: Simpson had 50 catches last season for 725 yards and four touchdowns. Simpson, Harvin and tight end Kyle Rudolph should provide an athletic receiving combination for quarterback Christian Ponder.
Description: Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph has three touchdown receptions in the last two weeks.
Insight: Rudolph is one of improved Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder's top targets. He has 13 receptions for 138 yards and three scores through the first three games of the season and can be considered a legitimate TE1 in fantasy.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson gutted out 86 yards on 25 carries against a tough 49ers run defense in Week 3.
Insight: Quarterback Christian Ponder vultured a rushing score on a 23-yard run but fantasy owners should be happy that Peterson was able to handle 20-plus carries for the first time this season.
Description: Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder failed to complete 70 percent of his passes for the first time this season but he turned in his best fantasy line, throwing for a pair of touchdowns and rushing for a score.
Insight: Ponder has a 4-to-0 touchdown to interception ratio this season. He threw for 198 yards and rushed for 33 Sunday in an upset win over San Francisco. Ponder has clearly made huge strides and can be viewed as one of the best injury- and bye-week plug-in QBs.
Description: Redskins cornerback Cedric Griffin left the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury. His return is questionable.
Insight: The loss of Griffin means more time for rookie seventh-round pick Richard Crawford. Washington's vulnerable pass defense had already given up 627 yards and six touchdowns in the first two games and two more touchdown passes in the first quarter of Game 3 and can't afford any personnel losses.
Description: Vikings QB Christian Ponder has completed more than 70 percent of his passes in each of the first two games this season.
Insight: Ponder has looked fantastic in going 47-of-62 (75.8) for 515 yards with two scores and zero interceptions in two games this season. True, he's played two defenses that don't really scare anyone in Jacksonville and Indianapolis but he's still made major progress since last year. Ponder isn't someone you want to be starting in standard fantasy leagues but he should be a solid backup and potential starter in two-QB leagues.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin was heavily involved in the team's offense again Sunday. The receiver had 14 touches from scrimmage for 117 total yards.
Insight: Harvin rivals Adrian Peterson as Minnesota's most important offensive weapon. The receiver had 12 catches for 104 yards and added 13 rushing yards on two carries Sunday against the Colts. He's a legitimate WR1.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was a full participant in practice Wednesday, according to SBnation.com.
Insight: Peterson had no swelling or soreness Monday following his 17-carry performance less than nine months removed from major knee surgery. The Vikings running back should be started with confidence going forward.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin went without a catch for much of the first half in Week 1 but the team targeted him on three straight screen plays inside of 2:30 and Harvin picked up 16, 5 and 11 yards. The receiver finished with six catches for 84 yards.
Insight: Harvin can do it all -- he even chipped in 20 yards rushing on five carries. The receiver was targeted eight times Sunday and should continue to be the No. 1 target on Minnesota. According to the Star Tribune, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier praised Harvin's ability to make something out of nothing and also flashed back to his coaching stint at the Senior Bowl in January when other NFL coaches told him how difficult Harvin is to defend. "As I heard that, I made a note to myself," Frazier said. "I have to find a way to keep him on the field more."
Description: Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph caught five passes on seven targets for 67 yards in Week 1 against the Jaguars.
Insight: Rudolph was frequently targeted by quarterback Christian Ponder in training camp. He has major upside as the No. 2 target in the Vikings' offense next to Percy Harvin.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson looked just fine in his return from an ACL injury, rushing 17 times for 84 yards and two scores.
Insight: The Vikings said they were going to take it easy with Peterson, but apparently coach Leslie Frazier deemed him healthy enough to handle a heavy workload. Peterson is looking like a bargain for all those who drafted him in the second round.
Description: According to Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune, the Vikings will make a decision regarding running back Adrian Peterson's availability for Sunday on Friday or Saturday.
Insight: If that's true fantasy owners won't have to wait for Sunday to know what to do with Peterson. We wouldn't recommend starting him in Week 1, but Toby Gerhart becomes a much better option if Peterson is inactive.
Description: Coach Leslie Frazier took all the restrictions off hitting Minnesota tailback Adrian Peterson in practice for the first time on Wednesday. In earlier practices they could not hit him below the waist.
Insight: Doesn't sound like he's ready to be an every down back. Frazier has used the term "limited exposure" when talking about Peterson and his chances during Week 1. Even if he plays he likely won't get the workload needed to please fantasy owners.
Description: Minnesota tailback Adrian Peterson will be limited in Week 1, if he gets into the game at all.
Insight: Coach Leslie Frazier has used the term "limited exposure" when talking about Peterson and his chances during Week 1. Even if he plays he likely won't get the workload needed to please fantasy owners.
Description: Vikings running back Toby Gerhart should be the primary running back in the Minnesota offense in Week 1, whether Adrian Peterson is in uniform or not.
Insight: Talking about Peterson, coach Frazier recently used the term "limited exposure." On a team with little chance of the playoffs, there is really no reasoin to rush AP back into the lineup with a full workload. Start Gerhart in Week 1 and sit Peterson.
Description: Minnesota halfback Adrian Peterson took hits in practice on Monday for the first time this preseason.
Insight: This is definitely a good sign for Peterson, who hasn't appeared in a game since tearing his ACL against the Redskins on Christmas Eve. The hope is that he'll be ready to compete in the Vikings' season opener against Jacksonville on September 9th.
Description: Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press is reporting that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has experienced no swelling in his surgically repaired left knee the day after practices. The team is in the early stages of giving Peterson upper-body contact in practices but no defender is allowed to go low on him.
Insight: Peterson has his mind set on being ready for Week 1 and it looks like his body is on track as well. He'll have to sustain some hits before we can fully endorse him as a Week 1 option, but fantasy owners should feel comfortable drafting him in the second round.
Description: Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press is reporting that Adrian Peterson will not play in the Vikings third preseason game.
Insight: Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said Peterson needs another week before he declares him "game-ready." At this point we don't expect AP to get a lot of work early in the season. Toby Gerhart figures to get more of the workload at the start of the season as Peterson continues to heal from last December's knee surgery.
Description: According to the Star Tribune, Vikings QB Christian Ponder has been frequently targeting tight end Kyle Rudolph in training camp.
Insight: Rudolph could be this season's breakout player at the position. He's currently a steal as the 18th tight end off the board in mock drafts on fantasyfootballcalculator.com.
Description: According to the Star Tribune, the Vikings have instituted a no-touch policy at practice regarding running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson returned to practice Sunday, seven and a half months after having surgery to repair several torn ligaments in his left knee.
Insight: The team is tentatively optimistic that Peterson will be ready for Week 1, but the running back has said all along he'll be on the field when the season gets underway.
Description: Minnesota tailback Adrian Peterson fully participated in Tuesday's practice, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Insight: Peterson has said all along that he would be ready to go when the whistle blows and it appears that he's taken another big step towards achieveing his goal. Still, its likely that Toby Gerhart we see a lot of the early workload as Peterson is only eight months removed from major knee surgery.
Description: Minnesota halfback Adrian Peterson was officially taken off the physically unable to perform list on Sunday.
Insight: A healthy Peterson is always a very scary sight for opposing defenses. Look for AD to enjoy a strong bounceback year in 2012 after having his last season cut short after just 12 games.
Description: Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier acknowledged that activating running back Adrian Peterson from the PUP list is a possibility.
Insight: He could be activated as early as Sunday, which would allow the four-time Pro Bowler to participate in the rest of Minnesota's preseason slate. Either way, he should be a go for Week 1, which will hinder Toby Gerhart's fantasy value heading into the season.
Description: Vikings rookie receiver Greg Childs is likely out for the season after suffering a "significant injury" to both knees, according to Tom Pelissero of ESPN 1500 Twin Cities.
Insight: With Jerome Simpson slated to spend three games on the sidelines to start the season due to a suspension, Minnesota was looking for Childs to step up and take his spot in the starting lineup. However, he may never play a down in the NFL due to this career-threatening injury.
Description: Vikings defensive end Jared Allen played in 94.5 percent of the gradable snaps last year and may be asked to scale that number back in 2012 according to a Judd Zulgad report.
Insight: Allen led the league with 22 sacks last season along with 46 tackles, one interception and four forced fumbles. He has averaged 15.5 sacks over the past five seasons. Allen indicated he would not like to be rested and his IDP fantasy owner will likely wholeheartedly agree.
Description: According to ESPN's NFC North beat writer Kevin Seifert, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said Thursday that 6-foot-6 tight end Kyle Rudolph "has a chance to be special."
Insight: While Ponder-to-Rudolph doesn't have the same punch as Brady-to-Gronkowski or Brees-to-Graham, Rudolph could be in line for a big year. He spent much of the offseason building a relationship with Ponder on and off the field and figures to be one of his favorite targets this season. Frazier praised Rudolph's catch radius, saying all quarterback Christian Ponder has to do is get the ball close to him and he'll make the catch. Rudolph could prove to be a nice score for those who choose to pass on a top-five TE.
Description: Vikings coach Leslie Frazier plans to activate running back Adrian Peterson from the active/PUP list in time for at least one preseason game, according to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Insight: The Vikings likely want to see how Peterson fares in game action before they announce him active for Week 1, but it's a good sign that the Vikings coaching staff already plans on having him active for some preseason action. The running back is still just seven months removed from his ACL injury.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was placed on active/PUP to start Vikings camp. He can still come off the list at any time and begin practicing.
Insight: It's only about seven months since Peterson's knee surgery and the Vikings appear to want to let him ease his way back to the field. With a quality backup in Toby Gerhart, Minnesota can let AP come back at his own pace and not force him to be ready for a full workload in Week 1. Gerhart figures to be the Opening Day starter, so adjust your fantasy values.
Description: Vikings running back Toby Gerhart indicated that he expects to be the Opening Day starter even as he also believes that Adrian Peterson will play in Week 1.
Insight: That's a tough one to figure out. Gerhart starting and Peterson coming off the bench in a limited role will confuse fantasy owners and experts alike. It remains to be seen how this will unfold, but by the end of the season "AP" figures to be the starter. Peterson is currently being selected in the second round (ADP 17.2) while Gerhart is at 98.5.
Description: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was arrested in Houston on Friday night. According to NBC Sports, Peterson was at a nightclub with his girlfriend and family members when police entered at closing time and told the remaining patrons to leave. Peterson wanted water before he left, and after words were exchanged, Peterson walked to the exit. However, one of the officers jumped on Peterson's back and tried to take him down.
Insight: NBC Sports also said the the arrest was captured by multiple surveillance cameras. If Peterson was resisting arrest, it implies that he was already being arrested for another reason. However, he hasn't been charged with another crime at this time. It seems likely that more details will come out once the videos surface and witnesses are interviewed.
Description: Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin will arrive at training camp on time according to ESPN's Adam Shefter.
Insight: Harvin (87 catches, 967 yards, six touchdowns) was unhappy while he was at the Vikings' mini-camp last month and even asked for a trade but apparently whatever conflict he had with the team has been resolved.
Description: While Vikings running back Adrian Peterson may be in uniform for Week 1, its appears likely that the team will ease him back into his workhorse role. " We're tentatively expecting Peterson to get the ceremonial opening-day start even if he works as a change-of-pace to Toby Gerhart for the first quarter of the season," said coach Leslie Frazier.
Insight: Oops. Looks like Peterson's fantasy value will have to take a major hit. In the latest fantasyfootballcalculator.com mock drafts, "AP" was being selected in the second round (ADP 14.7). If this latest information is correct, he should drop to the fourth or fifth round.
Description: Donovan McNabb has said that there is an 80 to 90 percent chance he will be back playing quarterback in the NFL next fall.
Insight: McNabb is a free agent right now and he didn't have a very impressive season with the Vikings in 2011 (four TDs, two interceptions, 82.9 QB rating in six games). It will be interesting to see what the market will be like for the 35-year-old as training camp approaches.
Description: Despite a 2-8 record with a 54.3 percent completion rate, 13 TDs and 13 INTs, Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier says there is no competition for the No.1 quarterback job - it belongs to Christian Ponder.
Insight: Percy Harvin came of age last year, the team added Jerome Simpson and there is hope that Adrian Peterson can be ready for Week 1. If Ponder can get all his weapons on the field at the same time, he can be much improved in 2012.
Description: Vikings receiver Percy Harvin appears to have softened his stance on wanting to be traded.
Insight: Harvin showed up to practice on Thursday and appears to have reconciled somewhat with coach Leslie Frazier, tweeting that he and Minnesota's head coach are now "on the same page." We're not sure what's behind Harvin's sudden change of heart but it looks like things are finally beginning to settle down at Vikings camp.
Description: Vikings general manager Rick Spielman says that the team has no plans to trade disgruntled wide receiver Percy Harvin.
Insight: Harvin had his best season in 2011 (87 catches, 967 yards receiving, six touchdown receptions) but said "there's a lot of different things that have to be sorted out" if he is to remain with the team. Harvin has always been outspoken so we'll have to see if his desire to be traded is legitimate or if he's just blowing off some steam.
Description: Vikings wideout Percy Harvin may not report to training camp on time as he's apparently unhappy with the remainder of his contract.
Insight: Harvin became the Vikings go-to guy in the second half of the season and finished 2011 with 87 catches, 1,312 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns. Fantasy owners want the injury-prone receiver ready to go when the first whistle blows, so any lengthy holdout will be of concern.
Description: Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier now seems to be indicating that running back Adrian Peterson (knee) is now on pace to play in the season opener.
Insight: Peterson is a freak of nature whose body is simply more advanced than everyone else's, so don't count him out for Week 1 despite having surgery to repair a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in December. Still, you should be sure to handcuff Toby Gerhart if you are going to selection AP in 2012.
Description: Minnesota's newly acquired wideout Jerome Simpson has been suspended and will miss the first three games of the 2012 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Insight: He is eligible to participate in training camp and preseason games, so should be ready to help the team in Week 4. Simpson had 50 catches last season for 725 yards and four touchdowns. When together, Simpson and Harvin should provide an athletic receiving combination for Christian Ponder.
Description: Vikings wideout Percy Harvin, who underwent minor shoulder surgery in the off-season resumed practice on Tuesday
Insight: Harvin finished 2011 with 87 catches, 1,312 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns after becoming the Vikings go-to guy in the second half of the season. If he can just stay healthy, he's pushed himself up to No. 1 receiver status.
Description: The Minnesota Viking have released longtime placekicker Ryan Longwell, leaving the job to rookie Blair Walsh.
Insight: Walsh made 76 of 103 field goal attempts in his four years at Georgia and was 184-for-185 on extra point attempts. Head coach Leslie Frazier said the team would not be adding another kicker to split the reps in training camp.
Description: The Minneapolis Vikings have released Ryan Longwell and will go forward with rookie Blair Walsh. Walsh was a sixth-round selection from Georgia.
Insight: The 37-year-old Longwell was just 22-for-28 last season, his worst FG percentage since 2005.
Description: According to the Associated Press, Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin said that running back Adrian Peterson (knee surgery) beat him twice in uphill sprints on Wednesday.
Insight: Peterson is a freak of nature whose body is simply more advanced than everyone else's, so don't count him out for Week 1 despite having surgery to repair a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in December.
