Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen will be back with the Minnesota Vikings beginning Wednesday, the team announced Tuesday.
Griffen had a half-sack in each of Minnesota’s first two games of the season before missing the Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills, and that same weekend getting involved in a series of incidents that led to Griffen checking himself into a hospital for a mental health evaluation.
On Tuesday, Griffen updated fans on his status.
“Being around my teammates and coaches is something I have missed for several weeks. While this is an exciting and positive move forward for me, it is only the next step in a longer process. I look forward to once again putting in the work with the guys and contributing to this team in any way I can. My larger focus remains on addressing my personal health, and I’m hopeful the time will come when I feel comfortable sharing my story and using my platform to bring awareness to these issues. I continue to be extremely grateful for the constant support from my family, my teammates, the Vikings organization and our tremendous fans.”
General Manager Rick Spielman said the Vikings have “been in communication with Everson’s medical professionals throughout this process and have relied on his recommendations regarding the appropriate next steps for Everson.
Related: Details released about incidents involving Vikings star Griffen.
“We are excited to welcome Everson back to the Vikings and to see him around teammates, coaches, and staff – people who care deeply about his well-being. Our focus will continue to be on providing an on-going support system for Everson and his family.”
It’s unclear if Griffen will play when the Vikings take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night.
