Griffen Back With Vikings, Grieving Mother's Death

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota defensive end Everson Griffen is planning to travel with the Vikings to Washington and play in Sunday's game following the sudden death of his mother.

Griffen returned to practice on Friday after missing the day before. He said he wanted to be with the team for support and to honor his mother, Sabrina Scott, who'd been in town visiting him. Griffen said she was healthy but politely declined to discuss her death further.

Wide receiver Jerome Simpson's lower back problem has improved, but coach Leslie Frazier said his status for Sunday would be determined later. He also says running back Adrian Peterson's sprained left ankle is "much better" and he should play against the Redskins.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)