On Wednesday, the Vikings placed receiver Percy Harvin on injured reserve, due to an ankle injury he suffered last month.
On Thursday, Harvin issued a statement regarding the circumstances that ended his fourth year in the NFL.
“It certainly is disappointing that I was not able to finish out this season with my teammates,” Harvin said. “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.”
The bigger question is whether, when Harvin comes back, he’ll be in the final year of his rookie deal or in the first year of a new contract. Harvin entered the season viewing it as a contract year, with the understanding that the team would offer him an extension after the season ended. His injury could impact the magnitude of the offer the team is willing to now make.
Regardless, the Vikings need to find a way to keep him around. Without him, it’s the Adrian Peterson show. With Harvin, the Vikings have the ability to be much more dynamic on offense.
Or, at a minimum, much less one-dimensional.