It appears the extra time off is helping the Vikings' battered defense return to health.
During the open portion of practice, safeties Harrison Smith (knee/hamstring) and Andrew Sendejo (knee) were participating. Nose tackle Linval Joseph (foot) wasn't in pads, but was jogging through individual drills. And linebacker Anthony Barr (groin) wasn't present.
Meanwhile, defensive ends Everson Griffen and Scott Crichton went through stretching but not the individual drills during the open portion.
The Vikings played last Thursday's game without starters Smith, Sendejo, Barr and Joseph. Smith has missed two of the past three games and all but two series of the third game.
We'll have the injury report after practice.
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