Felton unlikely to return to Vikings

Fullback Jerome Felton knows he won't be one of the players who make it to the second year of Vikings coach Mike Zimmer's rebuilding project.

"I'd like to come back, but I know the reality," Felton said. "I know they have [backup fullback] Zach [Line] on the roster, even though I'm not getting many snaps. My salary, the number of reps I've gotten this year, all of that plays into it. But I've taken advantage of every opportunity, and I know there is a lot of good film on me out there."

Felton will be 29 next year and is due to make $2.5 million, none of which is guaranteed or would count against the salary cap if he's cut. Line will be 25 and due to make $585,000.

Two years ago, Felton was in the midst of his only Pro Bowl season. He played 421 snaps and was an integral part in helping Adrian Peterson rush for 2,097 yards and win league MVP.

This year, with Peterson banished from the team since Week 2, Felton has gotten only 148 snaps (16 percent), including a season-low three reps last Sunday.

"I'm not happy about it, but I refuse to be a negative person," Felton said. "I've stayed positive and kept working hard. It's frustrating because I do feel I've played at a high level. I thought there would be a good role for me on the team, but obviously it was impacted by Adrian's situation."

The Vikings still respect Felton as a player, but from a financial standpoint, they've already chosen Line for next season. That's why they promoted him from the practice squad 10 weeks ago when two teams tried to sign him. And that's why they've kept him there despite making him inactive in every game.

Meanwhile, rookie guard David Yankey is in the opposite situation. He's part of the team's plans for next season but has been inactive for every game despite injuries that have sidelined three different starting guards this season.

"It's tough being patient because everybody wants to play and contribute," said Yankey, a fifth-round draft pick. "It's a process. You prepare and just trust the coaches who have been doing this a long time."

Yankey is being groomed to replace left guard Charlie Johnson, who isn't expected to return. But even though an ankle injury has sidelined Johnson, Yankey remains a backup because the team feels he needs to get stronger.

"I feel like I could contribute now," Yankey said. "But there are guys who are better prepared."

Besides linebacker Anthony Barr, whose season ended with Friday's revelation that he needs minor surgery, Johnson also has been listed as out for Sunday's game in Miami. Johnson missed last week's loss to Detroit because of an ankle injury.

Listed as probable after missing Friday's practice were linebacker Chad Greenway (personal reasons) and long-snapper Cullen Loeffler (illness). Backup linebacker Audie Cole handled the long-snapping duties in practice.

Nose tackle Linval Joseph (illness) was limited in practice but is probable. Probable with full participation in Friday's practice were: defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee), receiver Greg Jennings (hamstring), running back Matt Asiata (foot), defensive end Brian Robison (ankle), cornerback Xavier Rhodes (wrist) and safety Andrew Sendejo (thumb).