Bernard Berrian returns to practice
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EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since sitting out last weekend's loss at Chicago with a groin injury.
Whether he will return to game action on Sunday against Green Bay remains up in the air.
Berrian, who has appeared on the injury report three consecutive weeks, ran a series of pass routes during the portion of practice open to reporters on Thursday. And although coach Brad Childress said Berrian is "coming along," Childress added that Berrian did "not a lot" in practice on and "could very well be" a game-day decision again -- theoretically, before inactives are due.
Both the injury and the curious circumstances surrounding Berrian's nonparticipation at Chicago will make his status worth watching this week. He hasn't spoken with reporters since Monday, when he stopped only long enough to say he had "to go see a doctor" -- allowing his Sunday night remarks on Twitter to stand as his only comment on the injury and the situation.
Asked whether he's talked to Berrian to ensure there's no repeat, Childress said, "No. Whatever happened, happened. It's water under the bridge. Is it the way you'd like it to happen? No. You'd like to have somebody else up.
"I've seen it happen before. I've seen a guy run down the ramp and break his foot on the way to the game at (Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia). Hollis Thomas (the longtime Eagles tackle) broke his foot. 'Hollis is down.' 'We haven't started yet.' 'What happened?' 'He broke his foot jogging down the ramp to come out for the game.' I've seen (former Eagles receiver) Todd Pinkston, the fireworks that they blow off like that, I got some in my eye the last time coming out from the tunnel. 'Todd Pinkston is down.' 'He's down? We didn't start yet.' 'He's got some ash in his eye from the fireworks.'
"Things like that can happen. You hate to take some kind of crazy fire."
Adding to the gravity of Berrian's status is that Percy Harvin continues to battle an ankle injury -- he's practiced on a limited basis the past two days and appears a good bet to start -- and Sidney Rice's availability once again may not be decided until Saturday afternoon.
The Vikings still haven't filled the roster spot opened when they released receiver Randy Moss on Nov. 2, and Childress has indicated the team is in no rush to fill it.
"I hope I don't have that spot (this week)," Childress said. "I hope it's taken by Sidney."
The only player didn't participate at all in practice was special teamer Eric Frampton, who injured his left hamstring on Sunday.
Berrian, Harvin, quarterback Brett Favre (ankle/foot), right guard Anthony Herrera (elbow) and center John Sullivan (calf) were listed as limited on the injury report. Defensive backs Asher Allen (concussion), Chris Cook (knee) and Jamarca Sanford (hamstring) all were full participants.
The Packers listed receiver Donald Driver (quadriceps), linebacker Clay Matthews (shin), defensive lineman Ryan Pickett (ankle), cornerback Charles Woodson (toe), fullback Korey Hall (back) and center Scott Wells (arch) as limited. Hall and Wells were new additions to Thursday's injury report.
Left tackle Chad Clifton (knee) and tight end Andrew Quarless (shoulder) were upgraded from limited to full participation, along with linebacker Brandon Chillar (shoulder) and cornerback Pat Lee (ankle).
