Vikings say Griffin, Henderson ahead of rehab schedule, but status for season opener unclear

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Vikings say Griffin, Henderson ahead of schedule

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings are optimistic about two injured starters.

Cornerback Cedric Griffin and linebacker E.J. Henderson stretched with the team before Thursday’s practice, though they’re both far from clearance for full activity.

Griffin says recovery from surgery on his left knee is “speeding,” but the Vikings aren’t ready to declare him on track to start training camp. That would leave Griffin six months of rehabilitation, and the anterior cruciate ligament injury typically takes at least that long.

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier says Griffin and Henderson are ahead of schedule. Frazier says the team has “fingers crossed” that Henderson can come back from a broken left leg and play the season opener on Sept. 9.