Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson has been nursing a sprained medial collateral ligament since early August, and although he does not expect a big role in Week 2, the 28-year-old pass catching threat is focused on getting back to full strength and contributing on offense. Carlson offered a very realistic and grounded perspective on what he needs to do to become more involved with what Christian Ponder, Adrian Peterson and the rest of the unit is trying to accomplish on Sundays (via the Pioneer Press):
"To expect to have a role in this offense right now is somewhat unrealistic," Carlson said. "I have to work back into that and prove I deserve it. ... I'm not where I need to be, and I understand that."
"I'll get more and more comfortable; I'll get in better shape," he said. "I am feeling better this week than last week. I approach it as I need to get better every day, that's it. I want to contribute to the offense in whatever way the coaches use me. I've got work to do."
The Vikings take on the Colts at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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