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| Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was one of four players held out of practice Tuesday due to various injuries. (US Presswire) |
Running back Adrian Peterson, CB Antoine Winfield, LB Tyrone McKenzie and S Harrison Smith did not participate in Tuesday’s practice, which was held in the Vikings’ indoor facility at Winter Park.
The Vikings, however, kept the doors of the facility open during practice, attempting to replicate some of the chilly conditions they are expected to face against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday night.
Coach Leslie Frazier said the four players’ availabilities for Saturday will be determined later in the week, as the injury report isn’t due until Wednesday, per NFL rules.
Winfield reaggravated his broken hand during the playoff-clinching win against the Packers this past Sunday.
“Antoine is the guy we’re looking at the most,” Frazier said. “He’s a vital part of what we’re doing on defense.”
Peterson, who has been suffering from an abdominal muscle injury the past two weeks, was likely held out for precautionary reasons. Frazier said on Monday that Peterson felt better after the Packers game than he did the previous Monday after the Vikings' win over the Texans.
McKenzie injured his shoulder on Sunday and was at practice with his left arm in a sling. Frazier said McKenzie’s absence impacted special teams against Green Bay on Sunday. Special teamer and CB Robert Blanton was inactive against the Packers because the Vikings had an extra defensive end active due to the uncertainty of DE Brian Robison, Frazier said.
“We expect to get Robert back up for sure,” Frazier said. “We’re not sure about Tyrone just yet. His injury is a little more serious.”
Smith sat out practice with an injury he sustained tackling RB DuJuan Harris in Sunday’s game. He said that it was just a stinger and he expected to play on Saturday.
For more Vikings news and notes, follow Joe Oberle on Twitter @CBSVikings and @joeoberle.
