Harvin: 'I Definitely Wanted To Get Back Out On The Field'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- A day after the Minnesota Vikings reported Percy Harvin has been placed on injured reserve -- effectively ending his season -- Harvin has issued a statement, saying he's disappointed but not ready to play.
In the statement, which was released Thursday, Harvin said, "It certainly is disappointing that I was not able to finish out this season with my teammates. As a competitor I definitely wanted to get back out on the field but my injury has just not allowed me to progress to the point where I can help our team.
I appreciate the efforts of our medical staff and the support of our fans in helping me through this process and look forward to coming back stronger and better than ever."
Harvin was hurt on Nov. 4 at Seattle. The Vikings host Chicago this Sunday.
Harvin hasn't spoken to reporters in two weeks. Teammates said Thursday they wished Harvin would've been able to return but stressed the importance of focusing on the players they have available.
Coach Leslie Frazier answered questions about Harvin's status cryptically and vaguely at his regular news conference on Wednesday, when he ruled Harvin out of practice again because of the severely sprained ankle that has kept him out of the last three games. Then about six hours later, the Vikings announced the move that declared their top pass-catcher done for the year.
During an outstanding first half that put him in the conversation for the league's Most Valuable Player award, Harvin's season sure deteriorated quickly. He was hurt one month ago. Now this.
Sources inside the Vikings organization, however, say it's not as simple as Harvin being hurt. Many think Harvin should have been able to play as recently as two weeks ago. The issues stem, some say, from Harvin's being able to do whatever he's wanted throughout his career -- that is, until Frazier took a stand with him.
Frazier tried to instill discipline and accountability into Harvin, one source told WCCO-TV's Mike Max. Another sources said a hurt ankle is not Harvin's biggest concern: he's been upset about his contract and quarterback play.
"We'll see what happens," quarterback Christian Ponder said before the news came out. "I don't know what or when he'll be back. We're just focused on who's going to be out there, who's going to be practicing today."
Even bad sprains don't normally take more than four to six weeks to fully heal, so it's possible the injury is worse than originally revealed, perhaps requiring surgery.
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