Vikings receiver Percy Harvin will not play today against the Lions at Mall of America Field, sidelined by an ankle sprain. Harvin, who hurt the ankle in the third quarter of last week's loss in Seattle, did not practice all week and was listed as doubtful on the official injury report.
This morning, he has officially been declared inactive.
Harvin's absence is yet another blow to a passing attack that has struggled mightily the past three games. Harvin currently leads the NFL in catches with 62 and ranks 10th in receiving yards (677). He's also the fourth leading kickoff returner in the league, averaging 35.9 yards per return. That includes a 105-yard TD in Week 4 that sparked a 20-13 win over the Lions.
With Harvin out, rookie Jarius Wright will be active for the first time this season and could get an extended look as a slot receiver.
The Vikings other six inactives today are Brandon Burton, Allen Reisner, Letroy Guion, Marvin Mitchell, Mark Asper and McLeod-Bethel Thompson.
Guion, who started the first nine games at nose tackle, is dealing with turf toe.
Safety Mistral Raymond, meanwhile, will be active for the first time since Week 3, finally healthy enough to play again after dislocating his ankle in late September. It's expected that Jamarca Sanford will remain the starter at safety alongside rookie Harrison Smith as Raymond works back into game shape. Raymond should be mixed in in spurts today.
