Allen gets limited work, remains doubtful for Sunday

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen did limited work in practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Green Bay because of a shoulder injury.

Coach Brad Childress said the Vikings would monitor Allen's progress before making a decision Sunday morning. "I'm listening to the player," Childress said. "I'm listening to the medical guy, and we all sit down. Have not figured it out yet."

Allen suffered a grade-three sprain, or separation, of the AC joint in his right shoulder in the Vikings' victory over Houston on Sunday. A grade-three sprain is the most serious and usually keeps a player out for two to four weeks. The doubtful designation means there is a 75 percent chance Allen won't play.

Allen is tied with defensive tackle Kevin Williams for the Vikings' team lead with seven sacks. While Allen would certainly be missed if he sits out Sunday, the team's primary concern is his long-term health. Second-year player Brian Robison will start if Allen is unable to play.

"[I was] just out there trying to see where I'm out," Allen said. "Nothing has really changed as far as my status to me. We'll find out more [today]. I'll talk to [head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman] and Coach, and they will give me their opinion, and I'll give them mine, and we'll see where we're at."

Allen sat out Wednesday and Thursday. Childress admitted the Friday sessions don't include much contact.

Receiver Robert Ferguson was inactive for last Sunday's game against Houston and, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, has asked for his release.

Ferguson, who has caught three passes in seven games and has been used primarily on special teams, had almost completely cleaned out his locker by the time reporters arrived after Friday's practice.

Childress, though, said no roster move was forthcoming.

Ferguson was not at practice Wednesday but said the following day that he was absent so he could attend his grandfather's funeral.

Ferguson signed with the Vikings last season after being released by the Packers and admitted Thursday it would be difficult for him not to play against his former team on Sunday.

A bit more intrigue was added by the fact the Vikings worked out wide receiver Derek Hagan on Friday. A third-round pick by Miami out of Arizona State in 2006, Hagan was let go by the Dolphins this week.

Hagan had a career-high 29 receptions for 373 yards and two touchdowns last season but had only three receptions this year and was inactive for four games.

Quarterback Gus Frerotte visited with the Packers last March shortly before signing with the Vikings and just weeks after Brett Favre had announced his retirement.

Asked about how serious he felt the Packers were about him, Frerotte said: "Not very serious at all. I think they were just kind of feeling their way. I don't think they knew what they actually wanted. If they wanted to bring somebody in just in case or they wanted to search around. And I probably signed [in Minnesota] a lot faster than they expected."

Packers coach Mike McCarthy admitted "we were really undecided" at the time, before adding, "I just wish he hadn't gone to Minnesota. I thought he was a fit for us."