Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen returned to the team Wednesday, roughly a month after being rushed to a mental health facility by ambulance.
Griffen, a 30-year-old three-time Pro Bowler, has resumed team activities and was expected to participate in practice later Wednesday, but it’s still unclear whether he’ll play Sunday against New Orleans, the Star Tribune reports.
“The main focus isn’t getting Everson ready to play,” coach Mike Zimmer told reporters during a morning news conference. “I’m sure some people in this room have dealt with some of these things. I don’t think it’s as unique as we make it out to be. This is an illness and he continues to try to get better.”
Griffen apologized to his teammates six days after the incidents in Minnetrista and Minneapolis, where he allegedly threatened to assault staffers at a hotel in which he had been staying on Sept. 22. He later jumped out of an ambulance while en route to a mental health facility, but was not arrested or charged with a crime, according to a police report.
Rick Spielman, the team’s general manager, said Vikings officials have been in contact with Everson’s doctors throughout the past month.
Griffen, meanwhile, said he considered his return to be “only the next step” in an ongoing process.
“While this is an exciting and positive move forward for me, it is only the next step in a longer process,” Griffen said in a statement. “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.”
Griffen has missed five games this season. He last played on Sept. 16 in a 29-29 tie with the Green Bay Packers.
In an Instagram post to his 52,000 followers last month, Griffen promised to return as a “much-improved” person and player.
“I am currently focused on resolving personal issues with which I have been dealing for a long time,” Griffen wrote. “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.”
