**2012 practice/presser notes**

[PurpleMustReign]

Tom Pelissero on Twitter

That's an interesting idea. I don't think Jenkins would be a bad TE at all.

[Mothman]

If you're not running two TE sets, and you have a player like Kyle Rudolph playing _every_ down (with good reason), then Carlson isn't going to get on the field. There may not be any problem.

I said the same thing last week but when they're using Jenkins as a TE too, it makes me wonder...

[Eli]

That's an interesting idea. I don't think Jenkins would be a bad TE at all.

I think they were just mixing up the formations. Rudolph was also split out wide quite a bit.

[Mothman]

I think they were just mixing up the formations. Rudolph was also split out wide quite a bit.

That makes sense.

I shouldn't have used the word problem above. My only real point is that there must be reasons why Carlson hasn't been more involved. I can think of plenty but the longer it goes that way, the more I wonder what those reasons are...

[Demi]

If you're not running two TE sets, and you have a player like Kyle Rudolph playing _every_ down (with good reason), then Carlson isn't going to get on the field. There may not be any problem.

Ellison had as many receptions last game as Carlson has on the year. And now talk about Jenkins at tight end. I don't think it's that easy to right off.

Who knows, maybe he's still dinged up? Mentally not back? Checked out now that he got his big contract? Doesn't know the offense?

There has to be a reason the sixth highest salaried player on the roster is virtually invisible, and it seems to be getting worse, and not better, as the season goes on.

[dead_poet]

Per an NFL source, MRI showed Jerome Simpson has a back issue that was causing his leg weakness/numbness Sunday.

Simpson will undergo additional tests Tues. with doctors to determine specifics/severity of his back problem.

Dan Weiderer on Twitter

[Demi]

[Mothman]

Dan Weiderer on Twitter

There's more about this story here:

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Viki ... ssue100812

[dead_poet]

Frazier said Jarius Wright, who has yet to be active, is healthy. Ankle not an issue anymore. "His time will come."

Tom Pelissero on Twitter

---
Doesn't sound like anything is imminent with Wright in regards to him replacing Simpson or even being active in the near future.

[VikingLord]

Carlson's looking more and more like he'll be a major disappointment. I wonder what the problem is...

The problem is Spielman spending $5 million on a player who was out of the league last year. I get why he signed a TE. What I don't get is why *that* TE for that *that* amount, especially considering the Vikes already have their pass-catching TE in Rudolph.

[mansquatch]

I do not dissagree that Carlson's numbers are abyssmal.

When Carlson was signed Rudolph was yet to be a proven commodity, I'd be surprised if that wasn't part of the thought process. I still think there is more info to this that we do not yet have. Last year there were "hints" on this board of people thinking Rudolph would be a dissapointment because his numbers were low. It came out later he was battling a hamstring injury all season.

I still think it is premature to reach any long term conclusions on Carlson, aside from his current production being crap. The guy is 6' 5" and has, at least on paper, the physical tools to be a beast of a target. It isn't happenening so the question is why? Is he unwilling to fill the role Musgrave has for him? Is the mental part of his game not up to par for the Vikings? Is he hurt and that is hampering the physical aspect of his play? Are his current or prior injuries such that he is not NFL caliber any longer? All of these are potential reasons for his underperformance. Maybe there is some other reason?

Currently we just do not know enough to say what the issue mightbe. We just have to trust the coaches/front office to make the right call. Given the current on the field product I'm inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt.

[Mothman]

Adrian Peterson's Ankle "Hurting Consistently" but Shouldn't Stop Him

Adrian Peterson's problematic left ankle is sorer than a week ago, leaving him on the sideline for a second straight practice on Thursday.

But the star halfback said he's simply trying to get as much rest and rehabilitation as possible before the Minnesota Vikings play two games in five days, beginning on Sunday against Arizona.

More at the link.

Jim

[sdranger]

Maybe Carlson is just not being used because Rudolph is Ponder's best friend? Or maybe he's just doing what is asked? Or maybe he is the secret we need in the second half of the season? It is going to be OK in my belief.

AD needs to know the game plan that's it. The guy wouldn't have to practice a day IMO. The more he's fresh the better the Vikes are.

[Juice]

Tom Pelissero ‏@TomPelissero
Harrison Smith got pinched again -- $15,750 for unnecessary roughness on his horse collar tackle of RG3. #Vikings

[losperros]

Adrian Peterson's Ankle "Hurting Consistently" but Shouldn't Stop Him
More at the link.

And today there is this:

NOTES: RB Adrian Peterson (ankle), WR Jerome Simpson (lower back) and DE Jared Allen (groin) were all listed as probable on the injury report. Peterson did not practice the first two days as a precaution, but returned to practice on Friday. Simpson was able to practice all week after missing last week with numbness in his leg caused by a lower back issue. Coach Leslie Frazier said both are expected to start on Sunday.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... ml?refer=y

Sounds good for both AD and Simpson!