Middle linebacker E.J. Henderson played his first game Sunday after suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 4 last season. Henderson appeared on track to earn his first Pro Bowl trip before his injury, and there seems to be little doubt that he has returned to that same level of play.
Henderson led the Vikings in tackles against the Cleveland Browns with eight. He also had one sack, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry.
"E.J. was all over again," Coach Brad Childress said. "He looked like he was having fun. Again he is the guy that sets up all that, sets the defense, sets the strength, sets where the blitzes are coming from. So he really is communication with the front and with the back end. He is the middle man. If he's not intentional and doesn't over communicate nobody knows where to go. Not only is he a good communicator, which I know you guys (media) find hard to believe since he is a man of such few words, but he plays lights out. He's a great see-to-do guy as well."
