Minnesota Vikings Brian Robison not at practice
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison was able to put in a limited practice yesterday despite a neck injury, so his status for this week’s game against the rival Green Bay Packers didn’t seem in the least bit of doubt. But now, his chances of playing this week are clearly in doubt, because the St. Paul Pioneer-Press’s Chris Tomasson reports that Robison is not practicing today.
It’s never a good sign when a player abruptly misses practice during the week, especially when he misses practice on the last day of the week. Even though the Vikings season is in the wastebasket, it would still be huge for them to upset the rival Packers and cause the Packers playoff hopes to be in serious trouble. Robison’s absence wouldn’t make-or-break the Vikings, but it would be a tough loss. He’s been one of the only bright spots on the defense this season, so we can only hope that Robison’s absence is simply due to a precaution.
However, most players who miss practice for the first time during the week suffered from a setback, so that could very well be the case with Robison. Keep a close eye on his status, because he’s usually a key to victory for this team due to his ability to put pressure on the quarterback and stop the run. The Vikings clearly value Robison, as they handed him a four-year contract extension earlier this season.