Childress holds hope, roster spot for Rice

Sidney Rice has been practicing for more than two weeks, but his status for Sunday still isn’t determined. Rice hasn’t played all season after having hip surgery on Aug. 23, but he appears to be very close to making his debut.

The Vikings continue to wait and see if Sidney Rice will be able to play this Sunday against the Packers and ultimately if he will give the go-ahead to be activated from the physically unable to perform list before next Wednesday's deadline.

The wide receiver has been on the PUP all season after undergoing surgery on his hip in late August. He returned to practice on Nov. 3, triggering a three-week window in which a decision had to be made on his availability for the 2010 season.

The Vikings have made it clear that their leading wide receiver from last season would make the call on whether he plays and so far he has said he hasn't felt ready to go.

Making the situation a bit more intriguing is that Rice is in the final season of a rookie contract that is paying him only $550,000. Rice put up Pro Bowl numbers in 2009, catching 83 passes for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns and wanted a contract extension during the offseason.

Rice has bristled at any suggestions that his continued absence is related to his contract. He said this week that the surgery he had was "very serious" and that he didn't come off the PUP last Sunday against Chicago because he was "feeling significant discomfort on Friday and Saturday."

"It's not what I'm thinking at all," Rice said of maybe shutting himself down.

The Vikings have been carrying 52 players on their roster since placing Randy Moss on waivers early this month and coach Brad Childress is hoping Rice will decide to fill that final spot.

"I hope I don't have that spot," he said. "I hope it's taken by Sidney. Right? ... I'm holding it! I've got this one for you!"

NOTES

WR Bernard Berrian (groin) did limited work in Thursday's practice after sitting out Wednesday. It remains uncertain if he will play against the Packers. Berrian was active for last Sunday's game at Chicago but decided he couldn't play.

S Eric Frampton did not practice Wednesday or Thursday because of a hamstring injury suffered last Sunday in Chicago. Frampton is a key contributor on special teams.

QB Brett Favre was limited in Wednesday and Thursday's practices because of ankle and foot issues.

WR Percy Harvin was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday after aggravating his sprained left ankle in Sunday's game. Harvin expects to be good to go against Green Bay this Sunday.

RG Anthony Herrera was limited in Wednesday's and Thursday's practice because of an elbow injury.

C John Sullivan was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a calf issue.

CB Asher Allen, who missed last Sunday's game because of a concussion, remains on the injury report but hasn't missed any practice time this week.

CB Chris Cook remains on the injury report because of a knee issue but has not missed any practice time this week.

S Jamarca Sanford, who missed last Sunday's game because of a hamstring injury, was able to take part in all of practice Wednesday and Thursday but remains on the injury report.