Vikings’ Griffen ruled out of Sunday’s game, 3 others questionable
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen stands on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Oct. 10, 2021, in Minneapolis.[AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn/File]
Friday, the Minnesota Vikings officially ruled out defensive end Everson Griffen for Sunday’s game against San Francisco.
The expected news comes two days after law enforcement and Vikings officials were called to Griffen’s home after Griffen made some concerning social media posts, including screenshots of text conversations that included the phrases "I need help" and "people are trying to kill me" as well as a video depicting Griffen holding a gun.
Eventually, Griffen came out of his home and was taken to a health facility where Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said Griffen "is receiving the care that he needs."
Thursday, the Vikings signed defensive end Tashawn Bower from the New England Patriots practice squad to take Griffen’s place. Bower started his career in Minnesota in 2017 after going undrafted out of LSU. He’s been with New England since his release by the Vikings in 2019.
Griffen is now on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list.
The Vikings also listed safety Camryn Bynum, guard Wyatt Davis and safety Josh Metellus — who was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday — as questionable for Sunday’s game.