Joe Berger leaves field after stretching; Harrison Smith still out

Center Joe Berger, who missed last week's game because of a concussion, went through stretching exercises but then left the field at Winter Park.

December 9, 2016 at 5:20PM
Vikings lineman Joe Berger on the recently released brain-injury study: "There are lots of things that can happen to you in life. Obviously, you're raising your chances by playing football. But, no, I'm not too concerned about it."
Vikings center Joe Berger (Brian Wicker — Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Center Joe Berger, who missed last week's game because of a concussion, went through stretching exercises before today's practice but then left the field with head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman.

Berger was limited in Wednesday's practice but was held out of Thursday's practice. His status for Sunday's game at Jacksonville is uncertain.

Meanwhile, safety Harrison Smith (ankle) was not at practice again today and is still not expected to play.

The Vikings will issue their injury report after practice. Smith is expected to be listed as out.

And, yes, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee) warmed up but then left the field and will not play this week. He hasn't played since the season opener.

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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