MANKATO -- Cedric Griffin was hopeful that he would be able to practice when training camp opened Friday, but instead the starting cornerback was placed on the physically unable to perform list while he recovers from a torn ACL in his left knee.
Griffin, who suffered the injury covering a kickoff in overtime of the NFC Championship game against New Orleans, said he's not putting a timetable on his return. Recovery from ACL surgery typically takes nine months (or longer to feel 100 percent) so it looks highly doubtful that Griffin will be ready for the season opener Sept. 9 at New Orleans.
"I don't have a timetable," he said. "I wanted to participate in training camp and I wasn't able to. My timetables are up. I'm not giving no more. Whenever I'm ready I'm going to go out there -- and I will be ready."
Griffin is doing his rehab work on side fields at training camp. He said he's anxious to return.
"I'm ready to play football right now," he said. "This is my dream to play in the NFL. I've been doing it for five years now. I love playing football. I love hitting. I love intercepting the ball. Whenever they say I'm ready and whenever I feel like I'm ready, I'll be out there competing and making plays for the Vikings."
