Griffen slated to return to action after 5-game mental health-related absence

Defensive end Everson Griffen returned to the Minnesota Vikings this week after a five-week absence to attend to his mental health and he's slated to be in the lineup Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, the team announced Friday.

Head coach Mike Zimmer said on Friday that he hadn't made a determination as to whether Griffen would play Sunday, but the team announcement says otherwise.

Griffen was a full participant in practice all week and stated that he feels he's in strong physical shape, but still needs to get into football shape.

"Yeah, I feel good. I feel good. I was working out. I was able to work out and do the things I have to do, but playing this game of football it requires more than just working out," Griffen said on Wednesday.

"You got to push somebody, hit somebody, get your timing back. It's more to go on the football just in running and training by myself. I'm able to play football, but I still have to get back in the pass rush flow and my run flow and stuff like that."

Griffen was treated at a mental health facility after a number of incidents involving police and medical personnel.

The Vikings went 3-2 without their three-time Pro Bowler in the lineup.

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