Sullivan probable, Griffin and Gerhart questionable for Thursday
Get the 1500 ESPN SportsWire delivered to your inbox daily, and keep up with all the news in Twin Cities Sports
It appears John Sullivan may not be a game-time decision on Thursday after all.
The Minnesota Vikings listed their starting center as probable on the injury report released Wednesday afternoon. That designation means there is a "virtual certainty" of Sullivan, who missed the entire preseason with a calf injury, playing in Thursday's season opener at New Orleans.
Cornerback Chris Cook (knee) and defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (knee) were ruled out as expected, while cornerback Cedric Griffin (knee) and running back Toby Gerhart (knee) were listed as questionable (50% chance of playing).
Griffin's designation is interesting because he's always been considered a long shot, given that's he participated in only three practices since being activated off the active/physically unable to perform list on Saturday. However, coach Brad Childress acknowledged on Tuesday he was "toying with" the idea of suiting up Griffin this week.
Gerhart, Griffin and Sullivan all were listed as limited participants throughout the pracice week, including Wednesday's walkthrough.
Quarterback Brett Favre (ankle) and safety Jamarca Sanford (ankle) were listed as probable, as were the only three Saints starters on the injury report: middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma (groin), cornerback Tracy Porter (knee) and receiver Marques Colston (kidney).

