James Goes Under the Knife

Vikings coach Brad Childress said that defensive end Erasmus James had a second procedure on his injured knee this week, but expects James to be ready and healthy in time for the start of training camp.

Erasmus James suffered what some are viewing as a setback in his recovery for a torn ACL. Brad Childress, speaking to the media at the Combine in Indianapolis Friday, said that James had what he termed a “little follow-up procedure” on the knee, but added that he is expected to be ready when training camp begins.

James, a former first-round pick, was viewed as being the team’s designated pass rusher last season, but when he injured his knee early last year, the Vikings pass rush all but disappeared. Despite playing in all 16 games, DE Kenechi Udeze didn’t record a single sack last year.

As a result of that injury, the Vikings have been speculated at taking a defensive end with their first pick in the draft, with Gaines Adams of Clemson and Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas being the top contenders.

In other Vikings injury news, linebacker Chad Greenway is said to be on pace in his rehab from a torn ACL and is expected to be able to participate in the team’s post-draft minicamps.

SATURDAY NOTES
* The Vikings interviewed Brady Quinn Friday night – a sign that there might be more than just a passing interest in the quarterback who, at one time was viewed as top-three prospect and now is being seen as a player who might do an Aaron Rodgers type of slide down the draft board. Brad Childress acknowledged that he spoke with Tarvaris Jackson about the potential of the team drafting Quinn.
* One piece of unfinished draft business was completed Friday at the Combine when the Browns won a coin toss with the Buccaneers to determine draft position. The Browns will have the third overall pick in April’s draft and the Buccaneers will have the fourth pick.
* The agent for Koren Robinson said that K-Rob wants to continue his NFL career after his suspension is up. Robinson, who will begin a jail sentence stemming from his training camp DUI and fleeing police, can’t apply for reinstatement to the league until Sept. 18, but there is some concern that the league won’t reinstate Robinson immediately when he is eligible to come back because of the severity of the incident.
* Joe Linta, the agent who represents Matt Birk, Mike Rosenthal and Jason Whittle, said that he hasn’t received any indication that the Vikings intend to release Rosenthal or not attempt to re-sign Whittle. Birk has two years remaining on his current contract.