A week Chad Greenway described as "long and emotional" might not be over just yet.
Despite missing practice all week, the Vikings listed their veteran weakside linebacker as only questionable with a right knee injury heading into Sunday's season finale against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Normally, a player who doesn't practice all week is listed as doubtful or out.
"He probably could have practiced [Friday], but we didn't want to aggravate it more," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. "So we'll just see how it goes."
In what might be Greenway's final game for the Vikings, the 31-year-old linebacker and a team that's dangerously thin at linebacker might wait until 90 minutes before kickoff, when inactives are chosen, before deciding Greenway's playing status.
"It's my job to play a football game, so they're all important," Greenway said. "I'll get ready as much as I can to go out there and play a full game. We'll let Coach Zimmer decide what we're going to do."
Greenway spent the first part of the week in South Dakota for the funeral of his father, Alan, who died last week of leukemia. Greenway returned Wednesday, but the knee injury that knocked him out of the Dolphins game early on Sunday hadn't healed.
Audie Cole would get his first start of the season and sixth of his career if Greenway can't play. With rookies Anthony Barr (knee) and Brandon Watts (hamstring) listed as out Friday, Cole is one of only three healthy linebackers on the 53-man roster. Gerald Hodges and Jasper Brinkley are the others.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Brinkley, when asked about the number of injuries at linebacker.
Promotion coming
Zimmer said the Vikings "probably" will make a move to promote a practice squad linebacker this weekend. They have two of them: Josh Kaddu, a 6-3, 245-pound third-year player, and rookie Justin Anderson, who was signed Wednesday.
Kaddu, a fifth-round pick of the Dolphins in 2012, played four games for Miami in 2012 and one in 2013. He also spent time with the Eagles this year. Anderson signed with the Giants as an undrafted rookie out of Louisiana-Lafayette. He joined their practice squad and spent a brief period on the 53-man roster.
A future for Greenway?
Despite missing three games because of broken ribs and a broken hand, Greenway is second on the team in tackles with 115. He trails free safety Harrison Smith by one. Strong safety Robert Blanton is third with 111.
"Leading the team in tackles again would mean a lot to me, especially with the games I've missed," said Greenway, who is tied with former linebacker Scott Studwell with a team-record six consecutive seasons of leading the team in tackles.
"But I'll take a win any way we can get it."
As for his future with the Vikings beyond Sunday, Greenway isn't sure what to expect. He will be 32 and is under contract for $7 million next season. He knows the Vikings would ask him to take a pay cut for the second straight season, assuming he's even in their plans for 2015.
"I guess we'll find out," he said when asked about his future with the team. "I don't have an answer there. Obviously, I think when I've been healthy I've played well. But I have no idea."
Wright, Rudolph questionable
Limited in Friday's practice and listed as questionable: receiver Jarius Wright (low back) and tight end Kyle Rudolph (ankle, knee), who missed last week's game at Miami.
Players with full participation Friday and listed as probable: left guard Charlie Johnson (ankle), who has missed the past two games; receiver Greg Jennings (hamstring); safety Antone Exum (knee); right tackle Mike Harris (foot); tight end Chase Ford (foot); Blanton (ankle); safety Andrew Sendejo (thumb); defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee); and running back Matt Asiata (foot).
