Roster

Minnesota has listed the following players as inactive for Week 14 at Detroit: QB John David Booty, LB Erin Henderson, RB Maurice Hicks, TE Garrett Mills, LB Dontarrious Thomas, DL Kenderick Allen and DL Brian Robison.

DL Jared Allen was limited in practice Friday with a knee injury after taking Wednesday and Thursday off. He is listed as questionable for Week 16 against the Falcons.

Notable inactives for the Giants-Vikings Week 17 game include: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, DB Aaron Ross, K Lawrence Tynes, LB Gerris Wilkinson, DL Leger Douzable, WR Derek Hagan, TE Kevin Boss and DL Barry Cofield. For the Vikings, QB John David Booty, TE Garrett Mills, LB Dontarrious Thomas, DL Otis Grigsby, WR Darius Reynaud, DL Pat Williams and DL Letroy Guion are inactive.

Fullback Naufahu Tahi is staying in Minnesota. The Vikings matched Cincinnati's offer of one year and $1.4 million on Friday, meaning they will keep the restricted free agent. Tahi was signed off the Bengals practice squad in 2006. He beat out Thomas Tapeh for the starting fullback job during the season and helped open holes for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in the running game. Tahi says he's excited to get to work on improving the team. He says he and Peterson got into a good groove in the second half of the season.

The Vikings have signed free agent wide receiver and kick returner Glenn Holt and unrestricted free agent cornerback Karl Paymah. Holt is a four-year veteran who led the Cincinnati Bengals in kickoff return yards in each of his three seasons with the team, averaging 24.3 yards per return. He started at wide receiver for the Bengals the final five games of the season but didn't post any outstanding stats. Paymah played in 60 games with five starts in four seasons with the Denver Broncos. Paymah ranked first or second on the team in special teams tackles in three of his four seasons there.

A judge on Thursday blocked the NFL's plan to suspend Minnesota Vikings linemen Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for violating the league's anti-doping policy, a move their attorney said should let them start the season.

Vikings LB Chad Greenway had five tackles Sunday against Chicago.

Defensive tackle Fred Evans signed his one-year tender to return to the Vikings on Monday. The Vikings put a second-round tender on the restricted free agent in February. That means they would have been awarded a second-round draft pick if another team signed him. Evans served as the primary backup to Pro Bowler Pat Williams last season. He started the final two regular season games and the playoff game against Philadelphia while Williams worked through legal problems and an injury. The Vikings almost had to bring Evans back because Williams' challenge of a positive drug test has yet to be resolved in court. If he loses his case, he and fellow tackle Kevin Williams will be suspended for the first four games of next season.

None of the following Vikings players had any offensive stats in Week 6 vs. Detroit: QB Trent Jackson, RB Naufahu Tahi, RB Maurice Hicks, TE Garrett Mills, LS Cullen Loeffler and WR Aundrae Allison.

Vikings coach Brad Childress said he's not concerned about the will-he-or-won't-he saga surrounding his team's interest in Brett Favre souring the outlook of Vikings quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. "I talked with Sage and Tarvaris. They are competitors. Do they like any of the conversation? Absolutely not," Childress said. "But they know this. I'm charged with adding and subtracting players from this team to make us better. Every day when I walk in this office there's not a day that I don't try to look and see if we can get better at some position. And if this is going to make us better down the road and it's got a chance to happen I'm going to take care of the Minnesota Vikings."

Vikings K Ryan Longwell didn't get an opportunity to kick a field goal in Sunday's Wild Card playoff game against the Eagles. He did, however, nail two extra points.

Vikings DL Ray Edwards has been ruled out of the Vikings' Wild Card playoff game against the Eagles on Sunday with a knee injury.

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

The Star Tribune reports Friday that Vikings DE Kenechi Udeze, who missed last season after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is doing well and recently said his goal is to return for the Vikings' offseason program. Coach Ray Childress doesn't doubt Udeze will be back, saying: "Nothing that he does will surprise me. I expect him to get back and be there the first day of OTAs because that's his expectation."

Notable inactives for the Giants-Vikings Week 17 game include: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, DB Aaron Ross, K Lawrence Tynes, LB Gerris Wilkinson, DL Leger Douzable, WR Derek Hagan, TE Kevin Boss and DL Barry Cofield. For the Vikings, QB John David Booty, TE Garrett Mills, LB Dontarrious Thomas, DL Otis Grigsby, WR Darius Reynaud, DL Pat Williams and DL Letroy Guion are inactive.

Vikings coach Brad Childress said he's not concerned about the will-he-or-won't-he saga surrounding his team's interest in Brett Favre souring the outlook of Vikings quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. "I talked with Sage and Tarvaris. They are competitors. Do they like any of the conversation? Absolutely not," Childress said. "But they know this. I'm charged with adding and subtracting players from this team to make us better. Every day when I walk in this office there's not a day that I don't try to look and see if we can get better at some position. And if this is going to make us better down the road and it's got a chance to happen I'm going to take care of the Minnesota Vikings."

The Pioneer Press reports Vikings WR Bernard Berrian would welcome QB Brett Favre on the team. "If he's on the team, we could be a very explosive offense. He can probably teach the offense," Berrian said. "We have the right elements and all the tools." Berrian had the best season of his career in 2008, his first with the Vikings, in terms of receiving yards (964) and yards per catch (20.1). But his 48 catches were his lowest mark in the last three seasons. "I think I could have done some things better last year. I'm always going to critique myself harder than anyone else," Berrian said. "If he comes, I hope he is that guy that can take me to that next level. It's hard to do on your own. I've had some good seasons throughout my career, but I can only go so far. He's definitely got the caliber to do that, and he's played with some great receivers. If he comes, I think we have a chance to be one of those great combinations to work together. If not, Sage (Rosenfels), Tarvaris (Jackson) and (John David) Booty have gotten better, and whoever wins that starting job can do that, too."

The Minnesota Vikings signed linebacker and special teams standout Heath Farwell to a three-year, $7.75 million contract on Friday. Farwell, who tore the ACL in his right knee in the first exhibition game last August and missed the entire 2008 season, also had interest from the Browns and Patriots. But after visits to Cleveland and New England, he was glad to be back with his former team - which also offered him the most money.

The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive end Jayme Mitchell to a two-year deal and also re-signed defensive back Charles Gordon on Thursday. Both players suffered major leg injuries last season. Mitchell missed the entire year with a torn ACL. He had three sacks in 2006 and one in 2007, but was in line for an increase in playing time last season after Kenechi Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia. Gordon, who was showing promise as a nickelback and return man, had a gruesome left ankle injury on a punt return against Green Bay in November.

Ankle - Questionable for start of training camp

A judge on Thursday blocked the NFL's plan to suspend Minnesota Vikings linemen Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for violating the league's anti-doping policy, a move their attorney said should let them start the season.

The Vikings reportedly have installed a version of the Wildcat formation into their offense. Veteran rusher Chester Taylor took snaps in the formation, lining up with rookie Percy Harvin and wideout Darius Reynaud.

Notable inactives for the Giants-Vikings Week 17 game include: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, DB Aaron Ross, K Lawrence Tynes, LB Gerris Wilkinson, DL Leger Douzable, WR Derek Hagan, TE Kevin Boss and DL Barry Cofield. For the Vikings, QB John David Booty, TE Garrett Mills, LB Dontarrious Thomas, DL Otis Grigsby, WR Darius Reynaud, DL Pat Williams and DL Letroy Guion are inactive.

The Pioneer Press reports Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe didn't take any time off after the season, hoping to ride the momentum of his breakout 2008. "I just want to build on to my game, add some bricks to my building," Shiancoe said Thursday. "I want to be the best TE in the NFL. The best ever." Shiancoe has been working out the entire offseason and comes to minicamp at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds. He stays in shape by running with the receivers. "I'm trying to do something this season," he said. "I want to be a force on this offense, and doing my part."

The Vikings inactives for Week 10 vs. Green Bay include QB John David Booty, DB Marcus McCauley, TE Garrett Mills, LB Erin Henderson, LB Dontarrious Thomas, WR Robert Ferguson and DL Letroy Guion.

The Vikings added depth to their cornerback corps when they took Georgia CB Asher Allen with a third-round pick in the 2009 draft. Allen was a fast and fairly productive corner in school, toughing out his senior season by playing with a broken hand. His stats weren't eye-popping -- he had just three interceptions over his collegiate career -- but many view Allen as a decent cover corner.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Vikings coach Brad Childress is excited about the possibilities of rookie WR Percy Harvin in this offense. "I think the first thing I thought about was really the same feelings the first time we handed Adrian Peterson the ball," Childress said. "It was with 50 rookies that we bring in right after the draft. When you see it with your own eyes … the thing that came to mind right away was, Wow."

The Star Tribune reports Vikings WR Sidney Rice looked good in the recent minicamp and reported no signs of trouble with his right knee over the weekend. "It's not really an issue," he said. The third-year wide receiver said several weeks ago that his knee still was not 100 percent after suffering a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in Week 2 last season. But Rice took part in every drill and did not seem restricted in any way. He made a handful of plays and said afterward that his knee felt good. "It really didn't bother me none this weekend," he said. "No pulls, nothing like that." Rice said he will take part in OTAs this week and then will spend six weeks building up strength in his leg.

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

Jimmy Kennedy has re-signed with Minnesota, providing the Vikings with insurance at defensive tackle. Kennedy's one-year contract was announced Wednesday. The Vikings first signed Kennedy after starters Kevin Williams and Pat Williams were initially suspended for four games in early December due to a controversial diuretic pill. A federal judge has put a hold on the Williams' punishment pending a hearing this summer. Kennedy likely joins Letroy Guion and Fred Evans as the backups. Evans, a restricted free agent, has been offered a second-round tender to return. Kennedy, a first-round draft pick by St. Louis in 2003 out of Penn State, has had a disappointing NFL career. He has five sacks in 64 games with the Rams, Jacksonville, Chicago and Minnesota.

The Star-Tribune reports Vikings RB Adrian Peterson appears to be more focused coming into the season this year. "Through the past two or three years, I've had the experience of doing too much and not really being able to dedicate the time I would like to working out and preparing myself," Peterson said Wednesday. "I've really cut back a lot this year. I have more time to study film and really just focus on the most important things that make those things possible off the field. Get my body prepared."

The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed cornerback Benny Sapp to a one-year contract. Sapp came over last offseason from the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a reputation as an aggressive, risk-taking player. He spent most of his time at nickel back after Charles Gordon went down with an ankle injury against Green Bay in November.

The Vikings announced several players were signed to their practice squad on Sunday. The players are as follows: DE Martail Burnett, DT Leger Douzable, WR Jaymar Johnson, WR Darius Reynaud, CB Marcus Walker and RB Albert Young.

Vikings safety Madieu Williams is doubtful for Sunday's game with a shoulder injury that limited him in practice this week. Coach Brad Childress said Friday that Williams' condition is unrelated to the neck problem that kept him out of the first seven games of the season. Williams was hurt Wednesday when he fell hard on his shoulder during the special teams portion of practice. Williams said it was "one of those freak deals." If Williams can't play at Tampa Bay, rookie Tyrell Johnson will return to the starting lineup.

The Minnesota Vikings have signed 2009 seventh-round draft pick DB Jamarca Sanford, it was announced Monday. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Sanford, the 231st overall pick in the draft, started all 44 games he played at Ole Miss and served as a team captain as a senior. His 287 career tackles were more than any other player in the SEC during his four years at Ole Miss, and he helped the Rebels defense rank No. 2 in the SEC and No. 4 in the country in rushing defense in 2009.

The Vikings signed free agent fullback Nehemiah Broughton on Monday. Broughton was a seventh-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 2005. He played in six games with the Redskins over the next two seasons but missed all of 2007 with an injury and spent last season on the practice squad. The former Citadel player joins incumbents Naufahu Tahi and Jeff Dugan as a battering ram in front of running backs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.

The Vikings announced several players were signed to their practice squad on Sunday. The players are as follows: DE Martail Burnett, DT Leger Douzable, WR Jaymar Johnson, WR Darius Reynaud, CB Marcus Walker and RB Albert Young.

The Vikings have signed free agent wide receiver and kick returner Glenn Holt and unrestricted free agent cornerback Karl Paymah. Holt is a four-year veteran who led the Cincinnati Bengals in kickoff return yards in each of his three seasons with the team, averaging 24.3 yards per return. He started at wide receiver for the Bengals the final five games of the season but didn't post any outstanding stats. Paymah played in 60 games with five starts in four seasons with the Denver Broncos. Paymah ranked first or second on the team in special teams tackles in three of his four seasons there.

Vikings DB Madieu Williams had five tackles Sunday against Chicago.

The Vikings announced several players were signed to their practice squad on Sunday. The players are as follows: DE Martail Burnett, DT Leger Douzable, WR Jaymar Johnson, WR Darius Reynaud, CB Marcus Walker and RB Albert Young.

The Vikings announced several players were signed to their practice squad on Sunday. The players are as follows: DE Martail Burnett, DT Leger Douzable, WR Jaymar Johnson, WR Darius Reynaud, CB Marcus Walker and RB Albert Young.

Vikings TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, RB Maurice Hicks, RB Jeff Dugan, WR Aundrae Allison and QB Gus Frerotte didn't record offensive statistics Week 16 against the Falcons.

Notable inactives for Week 11's Raiders-Vikings tilt include: QB Josh McCown, QB JaMarcus Russell, RB LaMont Jordan, LB Isaiah Ekejiuba, DB John Bowie and DL Josh Shaw. Andrew Walter is the No. 2 QB for the Raiders. For the Vikings, RB Adrian Peterson, DB Ronyell Whitaker, RB Garrett Mills, DB Eric Frampton, WR Aundrae Allison, DL Jayme Mitchell and QB Kelly Holcomb are inactive.

Vikings TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, RB Maurice Hicks, RB Jeff Dugan, WR Aundrae Allison and QB Gus Frerotte didn't record offensive statistics Week 16 against the Falcons.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Vikings LB E.J. Henderson has been placed on injured reserve. He was originally supposed to miss only a month with dislocated toes.

On Monday, the Vikings waived DT Joe Bradley, DT Alex Guerrero, QB Drew Henson, LB John Kerr, WR Todd Lowber and CB Jerron Wishom.

Vikings DB Darren Sharper, DB Benny Sapp and LB Ben Leber all had interceptions Sunday against Chicago. Sharper added three tackles, Leber added six tackles and Sapp added four tackles.

Minnesota has listed the following players as inactive for Week 14 at Detroit: QB John David Booty, LB Erin Henderson, RB Maurice Hicks, TE Garrett Mills, LB Dontarrious Thomas, DL Kenderick Allen and DL Brian Robison.

With the drafting of first-round pick Percy Harvin, Vikings WRs Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade could lose significant touches. Harvin is a unique receiver in that he can run with the ball and also work in nearly every situation on the field, so his skill-set is quite varied. But he'll be used a lot, and that means fewer passes for Rice and Wade.

The Vikings reportedly have installed a version of the Wildcat formation into their offense. Wide receiver Darius Reynaud worked in the formation, lining up with rookie Percy Harvin and veteran rusher Chester Taylor.

The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive end Jayme Mitchell to a two-year deal and also re-signed defensive back Charles Gordon on Thursday. Both players suffered major leg injuries last season. Mitchell missed the entire year with a torn ACL. He had three sacks in 2006 and one in 2007, but was in line for an increase in playing time last season after Kenechi Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia. Gordon, who was showing promise as a nickelback and return man, had a gruesome left ankle injury on a punt return against Green Bay in November.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

The Vikings listed the following players as inactive for Week 9 vs. Houston: DB Marcus McCauley (coach's decision), TE Garrett Mills (ankle), LB David Herron (hip), DL Otis Grigsby, WR Robert Ferguson and DL Letroy Guion.

Notable inactives for the Giants-Vikings Week 17 game include: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, DB Aaron Ross, K Lawrence Tynes, LB Gerris Wilkinson, DL Leger Douzable, WR Derek Hagan, TE Kevin Boss and DL Barry Cofield. For the Vikings, QB John David Booty, TE Garrett Mills, LB Dontarrious Thomas, DL Otis Grigsby, WR Darius Reynaud, DL Pat Williams and DL Letroy Guion are inactive.

The Minnesota Vikings have signed 2009 fifth-round draft pick LB Jasper Brinkley, it was announced Tuesday. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Brinkley, the 150th overall pick in this year's draft, started 29 of 30 games at South Carolina. He finished his career with 193 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for a loss and three interceptions. As a senior, Brinkley captured All-Southeastern Conference 2nd-team honors as he started all but one game for the Gamecocks and ranked third on the squad with 65 tackles.

Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman was adamant Wednesday about the team's desire to retain CB Antoine Winfield, who skipped Minnesota's mandatory minicamp in hopes of putting pressure on the team to sign him to an extension. "It's an ongoing negotiation. It's all part of the business," Spielman said. "We're going to do everything that we can because Antoine is such an important part of our defense, an important part of our team. I know coach (Brad) Childress identifies the guys who are core guys and we'll try to keep them all together as long as we can. We've been able to do that and hopefully we'll have the same success with Antoine."

The Houston Texans signed the following players to their practice squad on Sunday: LB Kevis Coley, WR Darnell Jenkins, DT Gabe Long, DE Jesse Nading, CB Derrick Roberson, WR Mark Simmons and RB Darius Walker. Also, the team signed DE Stanley McClover from the Carolina Panthers off waivers.

The New Orleans Saints have released kicker Taylor Mehlhaff and punter Ben Graham, leaving the team to spend its bye week trying to fill each position for a third time this season. Team officials confirmed the cuts Tuesday night, hours after head coach Sean Payton had met with reporters. Payton had not indicated that any roster moves were planned.

The Vikings have signed cornerback Cedric Griffin to a contract extension. Griffin has started 38 games in three years. He has three career interceptions and has become one of the league's hardest-hitting cornerbacks, forming a formidable run-stopping tandem with fellow starter Antoine Winfield. "He is an aggressive, physical, contact football player whose best football is in front of him," coach Brad Childress said.

Tight end Jim Kleinsasser has re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings for a $9 million, three-year contract. The deal was finished Saturday, giving Kleinsasser $3.5 million guaranteed and keeping the North Dakota native in line to finish his career with his favorite team from childhood.