The Vikings received some good news on the injury front on Wednesday. Although RB Adrian Peterson and CB Antoine Winfield did not participate in practice, coach Leslie Frazier said they will both practice Thursday in preparation for Saturday’s wild-card game against the Packers. In addition, S Harrison Smith (knee) returned to practice on a limited basis.
Peterson sat out of practice for the second day in a row but, according to Frazier, it was a coaches’ decision to hold him out and give him some rest. Frazier said Peterson would get some work on Thursday.
Winfield did not participate in practice, but Frazier said that Winfield is feeling a lot better and will get some work on Thursday, too.
“We think [Antoine will] make it [on Saturday]," Frazier said. "He is in a lot less pain than he was a week ago at this time.”
Frazier said that Smith, who sat out on Tuesday, returned to practice with no problems. DE Brian Robison (shoulder) also practiced without issue.
The news wasn't as good for special teams LB Tyrone McKenzie, who injured his shoulder in the Packers game. His arm was still in a sling at practice, and he isn’t looking good for the playoff game.
“His shoulder is to the point where I don’t know if he is going to make it," Frazier said.
DE Jared Allen (shoulder), CB A.J. Jefferson (ankle) DE George Johnson (quadriceps), P Chris Kluwe (left knee) and T Phil Loadholt (knee) all participated fully in Wedensday's practice.
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