Starting safety Harrison Smith and defensive end Everson Griffen both returned to practice today, and coach Mike Zimmer said that he expects them both to play against the Falcons, according to our Kent Youngblood.
Smith missed practice Wednesday and Thursday due to an injury to his left knee suffered in last weekend’s loss to the Packers.
Griffen, who has been dealing with hip and shoulder injuries, also sat out the first two practices of the week before suiting up today.
Despite being listed as questionable on today’s final injury report, both players indicated that they expect to be good to go for Sunday.
The only Vikings player not practicing this morning was rookie cornerback Trae Waynes, who injured his ankle during Thursday’s practice. The Vikings listed him as questionable for Sunday, too.
Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (ankle), safety Robert Blanton (ankle), offensive tackle Matt Kalil (toe), quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (left shoulder) and linebackers Anthony Barr (hand) and Eric Kendricks (ribs) are all probable.
Ben Goessling is in his sixth year covering the Vikings, having joined the Star Tribune in 2017 after four seasons at ESPN and one at the Pioneer Press. He is an Apple Valley High School and University of Minnesota graduate. Follow him at @GoesslingStrib.
Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.
Andrew Krammer joined the Star Tribune in July 2016 after three years covering the Vikings for 1500 ESPN. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Follow him at @Andrew_Krammer.
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