Vikings Notebook: Percy Harvin hopes to avoid surgery

Although WR Percy Harvin's season is over, the Vikings hope he can avoid surgery. (US Presswire)

The Vikings are trying to avoid surgery for WR Percy Harvin, who was placed on IR Wednesday with a severe ankle sprain he suffered Nov. 4. Coach Leslie Frazier hopes Harvin can rehab the injury.

“He should not have to have surgery, at least we're hoping that,” Frazier said. “They [Harvin and the training staff] will continue to go through what they're going through. We're keeping our finger's crossed that that won't be the case.”

Frazier said the discussion to put Harvin on IR came up earlier in the week when it was clear he wasn't getting any better. The move will allow Harvin to concentrate on rehabbing the ankle while the team moves forward.

“He understood the decision,” Frazier said. “He was frustrated like everybody. He wants to be out on the field; he's a great a competitor. It's just unfortunate. We really would have loved to have him come back this season, but he wasn't making the progress that was necessary to make it back this season.

“He's such a valuable commodity that you don't want to do anything that is going to create some long-term ill effects.”

Cook returns to practice: CB Chris Cook got back on the practice field on Thursday. Cook has been out of the lineup with a broken forearm since Oct. 25. He was placed on the in-season IR and is designated to return for the Houston game Dec. 23 and that's what the team is working toward.

Injury report: DE Jared Allen was held out of practice with back spasms for the second day in a row. Frazier said he should be ready for Sunday.

“He's making progress,” said Frazier. “He should have a good day [Friday] and be fine for the game.”

Likewise, RB Adrian Peterson did not practice Thursday, but that was not injury related. He showed up on the injury report as: did not participate -- coach's decision.

“I wanted to give him a chance to rest a little bit; he had a good day of work yesterday,” Frazier said. “He will be back at practice (Friday).”