In search of their third consecutive victory this Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings received a nice boost on Thursday by the full return of star linebacker Erin Henderson to the practice field. Henderson had been out with concussion symptoms.
Henderson was among 10 Minnesota players listed on the team's official Week 5 injury report and participated fully on Thursday after being limited the previous day. The 26-year-old Henderson has not played in a game since Sept. 16 against Indianapolis due to the head injury, but he was cleared to begin practicing this week by doctors and has a great chance to play this weekend.
Also returning to practice for the Vikings was veteran wideout Michael Jenkins, who was limited Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday with a rib injury. Jenkins, a nine-year pro, only managed to haul in two passes over the last two weeks after snagging five receptions for 43 yards in Week 2. In addition to Jenkins, quarterback Christian Ponder, linebacker Marvell Mitchell, tackle Charlie Johnson and defensive backs Marcus Sherels and Antoine Winfield were also limited at Thursday's practice.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Titans are also dealing with a bevy of injuries heading into Sunday's showdown. As many as nine Tennessee players currently sit on the team's official injury report, including starting quarterback Jake Locker and star tight end Jared Cook. Now in his second NFL season, Locker was held out of Thursday's practice once again with a serious shoulder injury, and he is expected to give way to veteran signal caller Matt Hasselbeck in Sunday's game.