Vikings notes: Simpson made decision to release him an easy one

The locker next to running back Adrian Peterson, once occupied by wide receiver Jerome Simpson, was empty Friday.

The Vikings released Simpson on Thursday after the organization became aware of a July 7 citation by Bloomington police on charges of marijuana possession, open bottle and violating the conditions of his limited driver's license.

"We're always going to make decisions based on the information that we have, No. 1," coach Mike Zimmer said. "And No. 2, we're always going to do what's best for the organization. Each situation will be handled on an individual basis."

Simpson was about to complete a three-game suspension Monday after the Saints game for a drunken-driving arrest last season. It caps what has been a wild week for the Vikings, which started last Friday when Peterson initially received a warrant for his arrest on a felony count of injury to a child in Montgomery County (Texas).

"This isn't about me; it's about us, the team and how we continue to do things," Zimmer said. "We're in the infancy stage of our program of trying to teach these guys what we're trying to teach them, the mind-sets of what we're trying to give them. It wouldn't look very good if I wasn't a tough guy, too."

Linebacker Chad Greenway is officially listed as questionable, but he's optimistic he can play Sunday against the Saints at the Superdome.

Greenway broke his left hand last week against the Patriots and has also injured his ribs. He participated in his first practice Friday, though he was limited. Greenway missed his entire rookie season because of a torn ACL, but he hasn't missed a game since then. During the stretch of 114 games Greenway has played, he battled through a fractured right wrist during the final month of last season.

Zimmer won't give any tips on what the Vikings will do with the roster spot created after placing Peterson on the exempt list.

When asked if they'll stick to 52 players on the roster against the Saints, Zimmer responded, "We could. There's a possibility we won't, but we could."

Fullback Zach Line could be a possible option to snag the final roster spot open in Peterson's absence. He was waived last week to make room for running back Joe Banyard on the roster. Once he cleared waivers, the Vikings signed him to the practice squad.

Zimmer expects defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (shoulder) and offensive tackle Phil Loadholt (ankle) to play. They were limited participants Thursday and Friday. Linebacker Brandon Watts (knee) and wide receiver Rodney Smith (hamstring) are listed as questionable.