Endures tough 2018

Griffen had 33 tackles (22 solo) and 5.5 sacks across 11 games in 2018.

Analysis: Griffen missed five games early in the season as he addressed some mental health issues and never really found his rhythm this season. The 31-year-old is signed with Minnesota through 2022, but if the team were to cut him prior to March 15 it would save about $11.7 million in cap space with only $1.2 million in dead cap, per Spotrac.com. The Vikings also have the third-least amount of projected cap space in 2019, making Griffen a prime candidate to be a cap casualty.

Continues to bully Lions

Griffen recorded two tackles, including one sack, during Sunday's victory over the Lions.

Analysis: Vikings pass rushers weren't as productive as they were during their first meeting with Detroit this season when Minnesota sacked quarterback Matthew Stafford a combined 10 times, but the unit still had no trouble shutting down a Lions offense depleted of star power. Griffen was a big part of that, and the veteran now has 5.5 sacks in 10 games this season.

Another sack Sunday

Griffen recorded one sack across 43 defensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Packers.

Analysis: Griffen didn't stuff the stat sheet Sunday night, but showed up when it mattered most, delivering a huge sack on Aaron Rodgers late in the fourth quarter with the Packers driving. Across six games this season, Griffen has recorded 14 tackles and three sacks.

Has 1.5 sacks Sunday

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

Analysis: 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.

Plays 37 snaps in return

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

Analysis: 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.

Will play Sunday versus Saints

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

Analysis: 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.

Primed for return

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.

Analysis: 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…read more

May not play Week 8

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.

Analysis: 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 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…read more

Set to return to team

Griffen (personal) will resume team activities Wednesday.

Analysis: The team announced his return but didn't specify if he would return to practice or if he's a candidate to play this week against New Orleans. Griffen stepped away from the team after Week 2 to receive a mental health evaluation after he was involved in a string of concerning incidents, including an assault threat directed toward staff members at a Minneapolis hotel.

Officially out for Week 7

Griffen (personal) won't be available Week 7 against the Jets.

Analysis: Griffen remains without a timetable to return to the Vikings while he addresses his mental health, but coach Mike Zimmer refuted a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN earlier this week that suggested the defensive end wouldn't return "anytime soon." In any case, while Griffen continues to remain away from the team, Stephen Weatherly will keep picking up starts in his stead.

Vikings not ruling out his return

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer refuted a report that the team doesn't expect Griffen to return from his mental health issues, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "I saw the report and I think it was false," Zimmer said. "Let's just say that."

Analysis: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that Griffen isn't expected to return "any time soon." However, Griffen hasn't returned to practice this week and said in a statement that there was no timetable for his return. The Vikings have kept Griffen on the 53-man roster, however, which would appear to indicate they believe he could return this season. Griffen stepped away from the team to receive a mental health evaluation after he was involved in a recent string of concerning incidents, including…read more

Will be away for a while

Griffen (personal) isn't expected to return to the team "anytime soon," Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Griffen continues to deal with unspecified mental health problems, and there's still no specific timetable for the pass rusher to rejoin the Vikings. As evidence, a different source relayed he "could be back next week or could never play again, you just don't know when it comes to mental health." Stephen Weatherly will continue starting at defensive end.

Won't return Week 5

Griffen (knee) won't return to the Vikings for Week 5 in Philadelphia, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Griffen is taking some time away from the team to deal with unspecified mental health issues. He released a statement Thursday saying that he isn't sure when he will return.

Releases statement

Griffen (personal) has completed his mental health evaluation and released a statement Thursday, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Per the statement: "This past week's events have raised many questions and I want to apologize to everyone who was impacted. I am currently focused on resolving personal issues with which I have been dealing for a long time. Once I have had time to address those issues, I hope to share my story with everyone. I am extremely grateful for the support I have received from my family, the Vikings organization, my teammates and our tremendous fan base. I apologize for not being able to take the field…read more

Finishing mental health evaluation

Griffen (personal) is set to finish up his mental health evaluation Thursday and is expected to address his situation publicly in the near future, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Griffen stepped away from the team to receive the evaluation after he was involved in a recent string of concerning incidents in recent weeks, including an assault threat directed toward staff members at a Minneapolis hotel last Saturday. Coach Mike Zimmer said Tuesday that Griffen's long-term health remains the team's foremost concern at this time, so the defensive end may not rejoin the Vikings anytime in near future. Stephen Weatherly and Tashawn Bower will take on increased roles opposite…read more

Will not play Thursday

Griffen (personal) will not travel with the team for Thursday's game against the Rams, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: This isn't the least bit surprising given that it was revealed Monday that Griffen was arrested on Saturday, and the defensive end has now been taken to a local hospital over concerns about his mental health. Given Griffen's current state, it sounds like he could be facing an absence that could extend beyond just this short week, but more details regarding the situation will likely continue to be released throughout the next week or so. In Griffen's absence, Stephen Weatherly will get the start…read more

Being evaluated at local hospital

Griffen is being evaluated at a Twin Cities-area hospital over concerns about his mental health, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The defensive end allegedly made a verbal threat to shoot someone Saturday afternoon at a local hotel, according to ESPN 1500 AM Twin Cites. A prior report had erroneously indicated that Griffen was arrested after breaking into a home, per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Analysis: Griffen missed the Week 3 loss to Buffalo due to what was described as a personal issue. However, after Monday's team walk-through, the Vikings attributed Griffen's absence to a knee injury. Regardless of how he shows up on the Vikings' practice report this week, it doesn't sound like he'll be available for Thursday's game against the Rams. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman issued a statement regarding Griffen's situation Monday, saying that the team is "currently focused on Everson's…read more

Allegedly involved in hotel incident Saturday

Griffen (knee) was allegedly involved in a verbal altercation Saturday with employees of the downtown Minneapolis hotel where he's been staying, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Griffen was reportedly making threats that he would begin shooting if he wasn't allowed into his hotel room. Police were summoned, but Griffen reportedly left without incident and was never asked for identification by the responding officers, which kept his name off the official incident report. The Pro Bowler has been dealing with a knee injury that held him out of Week 3, so his status for Thursday's game against the Rams appears to be in jeopardy due to multiple factors.

Won't play this week

Griffen (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: This would normally be a big blow to Minnesota's defense, but the unit still has a massive advantage against Josh Allen and the Bills. Griffen's vacated snaps should mostly go to Stephen Weatherly, with Tashawn Bower also in the mix for added playing time. Griffen's availability for a Thursday game against the Rams in Week 4 is the real concern for Minnesota.

Not practicing Wednesday

Griffen didn't practice Wednesday due to a knee injury.

Analysis: Griffen entered the Week 2 matchup with the Packers nursing a toe injury, but he went on to log two tackles and a half sack across 77 total snaps. The veteran defensive end now appears to have a new issue to deal with, but it's unclear if the injury is significant enough to put his availability for Sunday's game against the Bills at major risk.

Logs 69 snaps

Griffen recorded two tackles (one solo) and half a sack across 69 defensive snaps in Sunday's tie with the Packers.

Analysis: Griffen was limited throughout the week at practice with a toe injury but did not appear to be slowed down on the field Sunday. The defensive end played in 90 percent of the defensive reps, the highest mark across the defensive line. Griffen was in the face of Pro Bowler David Bakhtiari all afternoon, forcing Aaron Rodgers to rush through his progressions several times.

Participates in practice Friday

Griffen (toe) was a full participant in Friday's practice.

Analysis: Griffen was limited in practice due to a toe injury earlier this week, but he appears fully recovered. The star defensive end should be expected to suit up against the Packers on Sunday.

Limited with toe injury

Griffen was limited in Thursday's practice due to a toe injury, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Griffen is a surprise addition to Thursday's injury report, as he was a full participant in Wednesday's session after coming out of Sunday's season opener healthy. It's unclear how severe the injury is, but the fact that Griffen was still able to put together a limited session suggests that it's not too serious.

Half-sack in win over 49ers

Griffen recorded four tackles, including a half-sack, and a pass defensed in Sunday's 24-16 win over the 49ers.

Analysis: Griffen missed some time in the preseason with a leg injury but came on strong in Sunday's game. The Vikings' defensive front harassed 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo constantly, and Griffen showed why he's one of the best defensive ends in the league. He's totaled 43.5 sacks over the past four seasons, and he isn't showing any signs of slowing as he kicks off his age-30 campaign.

Ready to rock in Week 1

Griffen said his leg is "good" after cutting it on a table in August, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: The cut became a concern once it became infected, but it sounds like that's cleared up. Griffen will go up against Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers in Week 1 as he tries to top the 13 sacks he made last season. He'll have a tough test against veteran LT Joe Staley, whom Pro Football Focus ranked as the No. 5 pass-blocking tackle.

Active at Sunday's practice

Griffen (leg) participated in Sunday's practice and competed in some 11-on-11 snaps, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Griffen may not play in the Vikings' final preseason game against the Titans, but he is looking healthier and, barring a setback, should be good to go for the regular season opener on Sep. 9. As long as Griffen remains out of game action, Stephen Weatherly figures to see some additional action with the first-team defense.

Sitting out preseason game

Griffen (leg) will not play in Friday's preseason game against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Griffen didn't do much during the team's practice Wednesday, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the team will hold him out of action for the preseason contest. He'll aim to be healthy by the time the regular season rolls around, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Vikings' brass takes a cautionary route with him the rest of the preseason.

Barely participates Wednesday

Griffen (leg) didn't do much during Wednesday's "shells" practice, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He had a wrap on under the sock on his left leg an iced it afterwards, suggesting he is still dealing with an infection.

Analysis: Griffen suffered a clot on his leg in a freak incident involving an end table, leaving him on the sidelines for the past week. His presence at practice is an encouraging sign, but it doesn't sound as though he participated much during the session.

Remains out of practice

Griffen didn't practice again Thursday after an off-field incident where he cut his leg on a table, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Griffen's status for Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville is unclear. However, the injury isn't believed to be too serious, but returning to action too soon could aggravate the laceration. Griffen was the Vikings' top pass rusher in 2017, racking up a career-high 13 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Dealing with cut on leg, should be back soon

Griffen is reportedly close to returning to practice following an off-field incident in which he cut his leg against the end of table, Ben Goessling of the The Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: It was previously reported that Griffen's absence was the result of personal reasons rather than anything injury related, however that doesn't appear to be the case. The cut on Griffen's leg is believed to be minor, and we could even see the defensive end play in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville. Either way, Griffen's absence seems to be nearing an end.

Absence not injury related

Griffen's absence from the team during the early portion of training camp is not due to injury, and he's expected to rejoin the team in the coming days, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Griffen appears to be in no danger of missing Week 1 due to injury given the news, missing time due to a personal matter rather than the knee injury he suffered during the spring. He should retake his starting role when he returns, looking to build off a 13-sack 2017 campaign.

Closing in on 100 percent

Griffen (knee) participated in Saturday's walkthrough with a supportive brace, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: It's unclear whether Griffen would have taken part in contact drills, but seeing him out on the field is already encouraging enough. The team has taken a cautious approach to governing his return to the gridiron. By the looks of it, Griffen is closing in on 100 percent health and should be fully back within the coming weeks.

Griffen (undisclosed) remained sidelined through OTAs and minicamp, but the defensive end is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: At the start of OTAs, a different source reported that Griffen was nursing a minor left knee injury, so that may be the "undisclosed" injury that Krammer speaks of. In any case, the 2017 second-team All-Pro doesn't appear to be dealing with anything significant.

Griffen is dealing with a left knee injury and was unable to practice Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Griffen has been sidelined for over a week with what head coach Mike Zimmer described as a "little tweak," according to Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. As this knee issue is completely unrelated to the torn plantar fascia that hindered the defensive end during the second half of the 2017 season, it's too early in the offseason to get worried about Griffen's absence from spring practices. However, the tune could change if the 30-year-old remains limited during training camp.

Griffen (foot) participated in offseason workouts with the Vikings on Tuesday, Andrew Krammer of The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

Analysis: Griffen suffered a torn plantar fascia in Week 8 and was hampered for the rest of the season, recording only three sacks over the team's final eight games of the regular season. The 30-year-old battled through the injury -- missing only one game -- and still posted an impressive 13-sack season overall, and appears to be entering offseason workouts at full strength.

Griffen (undisclosed) recorded 45 tackles (31 solo), 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass defensed across 15 games in 2017.

Analysis: Griffen continues to be one of the most dominant pass rushers in the game, as his career-high 13 sacks tied him for fourth best in the league. Now 30, Griffen has proven to be one of the most durable and dependable cogs in Minnesota's defense, logging 795 defensive snaps on the year.

Griffen is dealing with an undisclosed injury and will not play in the Pro Bowl on Sunday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Griffen's injury is officially undisclosed, but he did deal with a plantar fasciitis issue at the tail end of the regular season. Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has been named Griffen's replacement for Sunday.

Griffen (foot) does not appear on the injury report ahead of Sunday's NFC divisional-round game against the Saints.

Analysis: Griffen suddenly popped up on the injury report Thursday with a foot injury presumably related to the plantar fasciitis issue that nagged him down the stretch of the regular season. However, he returned as a full participant in Friday's practice and is fully on track to suit up for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Griffen (foot) was limited at practice Thursday.

Analysis: Griffen was a wrecking ball in the first half of the season, racking up 10 sacks in the initial eight outings. According to Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune, Griffen took a seat Week 10 as a result of plantar fasciitis in his left foot. In the meantime, Griffen was a shell of himself, at least in terms of production, with just three more sacks. Griffen's sudden appearance on the injury report following a bye week and full participation Wednesday is a bit worrisome for the Vikings' pass-rush…read more

Griffen had five total tackles and his 13th sack in Sunday's 31-24 loss at Carolina.

Analysis: After recording a sack in each of Minnesota's first eight games, Griffen had failed to take down the quarterback in two of his last three contests. He has a nice matchup in Week 14 against a struggling Bengals offensive line that has given up the 12th most sacks in the NFL.

Griffen racked up four solo tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in Thursday's 30-23 win over the Lions.

Analysis: Griffen continued to be a workhorse on the Vikings' defensive front, playing 55 of 59 defensive snaps. The eighth-year pro has equaled a career best with 12 sacks and set a new high-water mark with three forced fumbles this season, but his consistency is what's most promising. Griffen only has one game in 2017 without a sack, making him a valuable weekly IDP option.

Griffen (foot) put in a full practice Tuesday.

Analysis: Griffen was listed on the Vikings' injury report heading into Week 12 preparations despite having played through the foot issue with no reported problems in Sunday's win over the Rams. The defensive end wasn't able to register a sack in the contest, however, the first time in his nine appearances this season that has happened. He'll try to get back on track Thursday against a Lions squad that has allowed the third-most sacks (33) in the league this season.

Griffen (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Rams, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Griffen missed last week's game with the injury, but was able to participate in practice all week though limited. Griffen's 10 sacks on the season are tied for third in the NFL, and he's supplemented that pass rushing with 29 total stops and two forced fumbles.

The Vikings will list Griffen (foot) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, but Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer said he expects the defensive end to play in the contest, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: The foot injury has limited Griffen's practice participation this week, but the 29-year-old looks like he'll be able to fight through the pain in a matchup of two of the NFC's top teams. Griffen's 10 sacks on the season are tied for third in the NFL, and he's supplemented that pass rushing with 29 total stops and two forced fumbles.

Head coach Mike Zimmer expects Griffen (foot) to play Sunday against the Rams, Matthew Coller of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reports. "My foot is great. I'll be playing on Sunday for sure," Griffen reiterated.

Analysis: Griffen went through pregame warmups prior to last Sunday's game against the Redskins but was surprisingly held out due to an undisclosed foot injury that's been bothering him. He might be limited in practice the next few days, but it sounds like he's in line to suit up this week against the Rams, when Griffen could have a tough matchup against three-time Pro Bowler and 2015 All-Pro left tackle Andrew Whitworth.

Griffen (foot) is inactive for Sunday's game against Washington.

Analysis: It's a surprise he's not playing, considering he was able to return to practice Friday. Minnesota's defense will take a hit without its top pass rusher.