Vikings turnaround for Buccaneers game 'brutal' according to Jared Allen

The Minnesota Vikings have just three days to prepare for their Thursday night game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For defensive end Jared Allen, "That's brutal." The veteran pass rusher went on to say:

"I mean, it's hard enough to play one (game) a week, just trying to get your body right, especially if guys are nicked up or something like that. We put so much into those games -- physically, emotionally -- we exert everything we've got. And to be able to recover and come back for a Thursday game, it's tough."

The good news for Allen and the Vikings is that they don't have to travel. They played at home on Sunday in a 21-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, and will host the Buccaneers on Thursday night.

Through seven games, Allen is having another stellar season. The Vikings are 5-2 and seem poised to make a playoff run. Allen leads the team in sacks, with six. Minnesota is tied for third in the league with 22 sacks.

The NFL expanded its Thursday night schedule to include 13 games in 2012. At some point in the season, most teams will have to deal with the quick turnaround that the Vikings and Buccaneers are experiencing this week.