Taylor Could Miss Detroit Homecoming

For the second straight season, running back Chester Taylor might miss his opportunity to play in his hometown of Detroit. See what head coach Brad Childress and Taylor had to say about the possibilities.

Vikings running back Chester Taylor might miss a game in his hometown of Detroit for the second consecutive season.

Last year, bruised ribs forced Taylor to miss his only contest when the Vikings visited Ford Field. This time it’s either a bruised oblique or hip injury — the Vikings say the former, the injury report says the latter — that could keep Taylor out.

Coach Brad Childress said Thursday that there was still plenty of time to make a decision on Taylor, but also made it clear he would not take any chances on using an injured player.

“I don’t think you can put a guy at that high-impact position that can’t weather the storm,” Childress said. “We would do ourselves a disservice, for instance, if he got in and carried the ball for two plays and all of a sudden he’s sitting on the sideline and somebody else wasn’t up. Now I’m short all the way around the block. It’s really important that between the doctors and Chester and myself that he is honest and accurate.”

If Taylor can’t go, the Vikings aren’t exactly depleted at running back. Rookie Adrian Peterson, the seventh-overall pick in the NFL draft last April, rushed for 103 yards on 19 carries and also scored on a 60-yard catch-and-run in the Vikings’ 24-3 victory last Sunday over Atlanta.

Taylor was injured in the first quarter of that game and did not return. Taylor was the Vikings’ workhorse back last season rushing for 1,216 yards on 303 carries with six touchdowns. Childress has made it clear when Taylor is healthy that he will split time with Peterson.

That might not happen this week, though. Taylor plans to have 30 or more family members and friends at the game and admits playing in Detroit holds extra meaning.

“I usually treat every game the same,” he said. “But it’s a little bit more, going home and having all your family there. I just want to go out there and play.”

NOTES

DE Erasmus James sat out practice Thursday as he continues the slow recovery from a knee injury. James has been back practicing most days but sat out the season-opener against Atlanta and likely will miss a few more games before he’s considered ready to go.

S Mike Doss (calf) took part in practice on a limited basis for the second consecutive day and it’s uncertain if he will be able to play Sunday. Doss sat out the season opener against Atlanta.

FB Tony Richardson was limited in practice for a second consecutive day because of a bruised forearm.

FB Naufahu Tahi was limited in practice for a second consecutive day because of an ankle injury.

WR Robert Ferguson (ankle) continues to participate in all of practice and should be ready to go after missing the opener.

LB Vinny Ciurciu (hand) took part in all of practice Thursday and will be expected to contribute on special teams Sunday in Detroit.