97 Everson Griffen DE

Griffen had 1.5 sacks, three QB hits and four total tackles in Sunday's win over Detroit.

Griffen played in 52 of the defense's 71 snaps as he looked back to full speed in his second game after missing five games due to mental health issues. He had just one tackle and didn't provide any pressure against the QB in his first game back, but against the Lions he looked like the player who had 13 sacks last season.

Griffen had one tackle in Sunday's loss to the Saints.

He played 37 of the defense's 53 snaps after missing the last five games while dealing with mental health issues. He played fewer snaps that usual as he was eased back into action. Although he didn't record any pressure on the quarterback, it looks like he could soon return to his prior form.

Griffen (personal) will suit up against the Saints on Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Griffen was already deemed healthy and ready to play, and now it's confirmed that he'll be in the fold. The 30-year-old has missed the last five games while dealing with his mental health. It's unclear to what degree the Vikings will deploy Griffen, but it's expected he'll at least be used in pass-rush situations against an offensive line that Pro Football Focus ranks fifth in the league.

Griffen (personal) was a full practice participant Friday and doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Coach Mike Zimmer made it clear Griffen's mental health is more important than his Week 8 availability, but it now seems everything is lining up for a long-awaited return. The Vikings may nonetheless find themselves in a tough spot Sunday night, as LB Anthony Barr (hamstring) and S Andrew Sendejo (groin) have been ruled out while CB Xavier Rhodes (foot) and DT Linval Joseph (ankle/knee) are questionable. Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense put up 24 points last week in a road game against a top-ranked Baltimore defense that was mostly healthy.

Coach Mike Zimmer said prior to Wednesday's practice that getting Griffen (personal) ready to play Week 8 against the Saints is "not the focus right now," Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

Griffen reported back to the team Wednesday after he had been away from the Vikings since Week 3 while tending to his mental health following a string of concerning incidents. While the Vikings seemingly believe that Griffen is now in a better place mentally to resume his career, there's reason to think that the club may integrate him back into team activities slowly after his month-long absence. Zimmer's comment doesn't officially close the door on Griffen suiting up Sunday, but it's looking unlikely that he'll be available at this juncture. Stephen Weatherly has been starting at the defensive end spot opposite Danielle Hunter since Griffen left the team.