Robison hopes to be ready for opener

MANKATO - Vikings defensive end Brian Robison said he had two blood clots removed during surgery on a varicose vein in his left leg, but he expects to be ready to play the Sept. 8 season opener at Green Bay.

Robison watched the Vikings' afternoon practice Monday and said he hopes to begin jogging next week and possibly return to practice in two weeks. Robison said doctors removed the entire vein during the two-hour surgery.

"I had a vein where the valves weren't working," he said. "I had two blood clots that were in there. ... Varicose veins usually don't bother you, but the fact that I had a blood clot in me, it flared up real quick. That's really why we had to go in so soon and get it done. The clots were not letting the blood flow through my leg, and of course the swelling was from that. That's why we had to get it taken care of so quick."

Robison said his leg is sore and tight so he's beginning his rehab assignment by working on an elliptical machine and a stationary bike. He said doctors told him it's important to stretch regularly so that he doesn't experience tightness, which would affect his flexibility.

Robison said he expects to be ready for the Green Bay game with a slight chance he could play in the preseason finale at Dallas on Aug. 28.

The Vikings are thin at defensive end because of the loss of Jayme Mitchell to a season-ending knee injury. Robison, the backup to Jared Allen at right end, said the temptation is to rush back, but he said he needs to make sure his leg is healed before he returns.

"It's one of those things where if I could be out there today, I would be out there today," he said. "But you don't want to come back too fast because then it could sideline you for even a couple more weeks. The plan is to do what the doctors say. The timeline right now is two weeks."

The Vikings made several roster moves Monday to replace Mitchell and linebacker Heath Farwell, both of whom suffered season-ending knee injuries. Guard Mike Jones also was placed on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury.

The Vikings signed three undrafted rookies: defensive end Chris Norwell (Illinois) and offensive tackles Sean Dumford (Eastern Kentucky) and Brock Pasteur (Stephen F. Austin).

Backup left tackle Drew Radovich dislocated his left shoulder and is wearing a sling on his arm. Backup tackle Marcus Johnson (knee) did not practice, either.

Wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who had a sore groin early in camp, has done limited work in team drills the past few days. Berrian, however, said it has nothing to do with his groin.

"The groin is fine," he said. "We're just giving some young guys some more reps."

Cornerback Marcus Walker had his right hand wrapped but was able to practice. Safety Michael Boulware (concussion) and fullback Naufahu Tahi (bruised sternum) returned to practice after sitting out Sunday.

• Former Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders attended practice and spent time with Vikings coach Brad Childress.

• The Vikings' preseason finale against Dallas will air on KSTC (Ch. 45) instead of KSTP (Ch. 5). KSTP, an ABC affiliate, will be airing live coverage of the Democratic National Convention that night.

Staff writer Judd Zulgad contributed to this report.