Ill Harvin sidelined, but no alarms raised

Percy Harvin did not practice Thursday because of an illness, but Vikings coach Brad Childress said he is hopeful his talented rookie will be able to return today.

Childress described Harvin's absence as "not football-related" but didn't elaborate. However, Childress did not sound overly concerned and said the wide receiver received the "lion's share" of the game plan on Wednesday.

Harvin has had a history of severe migraines, but he also could be feeling ill. A number of Vikings players have felt under the weather in recent weeks, including quarterback Brett Favre.

Receiver Bernard Berrian (hamstring) and linebacker E.J. Henderson (knee) practiced on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday. Favre (hip) also was limited for a second consecutive day. Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield (right foot) is still not practicing.

Adrian Peterson's hit on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay on Sunday was so ferocious that even his pastor took notice.

Peterson said his pastor was among the many people who called, texted and commented after watching the running back steamroll Gay in the fourth quarter of a 27-17 loss to the Steelers.

"Just determination," Peterson said. "I was just trying to make a big play. It was a critical third down. I laugh about it when I see it. But at the end they came out with the win so that's really what matters."

Peterson caught a dump-off pass in the middle of the field, took two steps, lowered his head and flattened Gay. Peterson then trampled Gay as he broke free for a 29-yard gain.

Harvin leads the NFL in kickoff return average at 29.8 yards and is the only player with two touchdown returns. His approach is pretty straightforward -- literally.

Harvin typically catches the ball and runs as fast as he can straight up the field. Unlike many returners, Harvin doesn't always look to outrun opponents to the outside.

"That's a hard thing to teach a guy," special teams coordinator Brian Murphy said. "I think Percy has that knack and understands that if you can push the ball downfield quickly, you have a better chance than going side to side. I think you learn pretty fast that everyone on the field is pretty fast."

Harvin's approach certainly takes courage because there's a greater potential for the big collision.

"As I say, he's not afraid to die," Childress said, jokingly. "He's going to run up in there."

Said Murphy: "It's kind of like the car movie with Tom Cruise ['Days of Thunder']. You drive through the smoke. Don't turn because you're going to get hit. ... Just run through the smoke and come out the other end."

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said Henderson is very close to the level he played at before he suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 4 last season. He leads the team with 66 tackles despite having a shoulder injury earlier in the season and now a knee injury.

"He wouldn't say [the injuries] have anything to do with it, but as an athlete, it definitely affects you," Frazier said. "You try and play through whatever the ailments are. But they do sit in the back of your mind, especially after what he went through a year ago. He still plays extremely hard."

• Packers left tackle Chad Clifton (ankle) was limited to individual work in practice Thursday and it appears likely that rookie T.J. Lang will start Sunday. Green Bay center Jason Spitz (back) has missed both practices this week, meaning Scott Wells might start. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been limited because of a foot sprain.