Everson Griffen's days experimenting as a linebacker are finished. On Monday afternoon, after the Vikings' 13th practice of training camp, head coach Leslie Frazier acknowledged that Griffen was headed back to the defensive line permanently.
The Vikings had arrived in Mankato with visions of converting Griffen into a linebacker, wanting to find ways to get him on the field more. Last year, Griffen's playing time as a defensive end was limited, mostly because Jared Allen and Brian Robison rarely needed to come off the field.
But Griffen's combination of size – he's 6-3, 273 pounds – and raw athleticism gave Frazier and his coaching staff an idea to test the third-year veteran in a new role.
After nearly three weeks of practice and one preseason game, that idea has been scrapped.
"We feel like this is going to be better for him," Frazier said. "We talked to him Sunday night when we got back. And he agrees."
Frazier said he feels comfortable with the depth the Vikings currently have at weakside linebacker with starter Erin Henderson and back-up Marvin Mitchell providing decent depth. Plus, Griffen had done nothing in the early stages of the preseason to challenge that pecking order.
"I think sometimes, with so many things coming at you, when you're off the ball, it can be a tough deal," Frazier said.
The Vikings still have plans to give Griffen an opportunity to assume some linebacker-type responsibilities in third down, pass-rushing situations as they did a year ago.
