We’ve mentioned a time or two over the past few days the concept of the “five-day letter,” specifically in reference to 49ers defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer. It’s a tool used by a team when dealing with a player who has left the club.
While it’s unclear whether the 49ers have sent a “five-day letter” to Balmer, a league source tells us that the Vikings have sent one to receiver Percy Harvin.
That said, it’s highly, highly unlikely that the Vikings will shut Harvin down for the year if he doesn’t show up before the expiration of the five-day period. It was done, we’re told, to obtain a roster exemption.
(The fact that the Niners also have obtained a roster exemption for Balmer suggests that they have sent a five-day letter, too.)
Meanwhile, signs are pointing to an strong improvement in Harvin’s migraines. He currently is expected to re-join the team in the near future.
But if he doesn’t show up within five days after getting his five-day letter, don’t count on the Vikings putting him on ice for 2010. They need him too badly -- and Harvin knows that they need him.