EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota’s Percy Harvin, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is questionable for the NFC championship game in New Orleans.
Harvin missed his second straight practice Friday because of migraine headaches, a problem he’s had most of his life and that cost him one game this season. He has been invaluable to the Vikings as a wide receiver, kickoff returner and even occasionally as a runner out of the backfield on plays designed for him.
Coach Brad Childress called the situation “less than ideal” and said Harvin’s ability to fly with the team Saturday to New Orleans could be affected. Childress also noted Harvin has played before under the same conditions.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen,” quarterback Brett Favre said of his trusty third-down target. “We hope he plays, but we have to prepare as we’ve been doing, like Percy’s playing.”
Better news for the Vikings was the return to practice of starting defensive linemen Ray Edwards and Kevin Williams. They’re each listed as questionable, with knee injuries that kept them out of practice the previous two days. Edwards wore a brace on his right knee. Childress said both of them moved around “OK” during drills.
“We’ll see how they bounce back” Saturday, Childress said. “That’s always the litmus test.”
Linebacker Chad Greenway expressed no concern about Edwards and Williams being less than full strength.
“If they’re out there, they’re going to be flying around, playing at 100 percent,” Greenway said. “Obviously we’re optimistic that they’re going to be 100 percent and ready to go.”
Defensive tackle Pat Williams (elbow/foot) and cornerback Benny Sapp (ankle/back) were also listed as questionable to face the Saints Sunday, with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line. The foot for Williams and the back for Sapp were new additions to the list Friday.
Williams didn’t participate at all in practice. Sapp, Edwards and cornerback Antoine Winfield were limited. Winfield is listed as probable, still feeling some effect of the broken right foot he suffered in October.
Also, linebacker E.J. Henderson, who was lost for the season when he broke his leg last month, will accompany the team to New Orleans, according to Greenway.
“It’s just nice to have him around,” Greenway said. “You forgot how good he played for 12 weeks of the season.”
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