Head Coach Leslie Frazier addressed the media after practice today and had a few interesting notes to get out to the media.
First is defensive tackle Christian Ballard, who left the team two weeks ago to attend to a personal issue. At the time Ballard left the Vikings, Frazier made it clear that he was an important member of the team.
ESPN 1500 had the quote: “[Ballard] is one of those guys we were counting on to be a part in our rotation. He did a very good job for us a season ago, we’re hoping he would help us this year as well. Hopefully, things work out for him. But he has some personal things he has to take care of.”
Frazier said today that he hasn’t talked to Ballard in a week and is assuming he won’t play this season.
Another man he is not expecting to have is the now-retired Antoine Winfield. Frazier said earlier this week he would have Winfield back in Minnesota after he was released by the Seahawks over the weekend.
Frazier had this to say when questioned about Winfield’s status and if he had reached out to him.
Frazier on Antoine Winfield: "We haven't spoken. I texted him and just tried to encourage him. I'm hoping things go well for him." #Vikings
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) September 4, 2013
He also said that he will not twist Winfield’s arm to rejoin The Purple (via the Star Tribune): “If a guy’s retired, you got to let him go through what he’s going through. You don’t want to be talking him out of retirement if that’s what he wants to do.”
The Vikings face Detroit Sunday at noon.
