Jackson Could Be Out Again

Tarvaris Jackson has returned to practice on a limited basis this week, but he is still experiencing soreness with his groin strain.

Don’t be surprised if veteran Kelly Holcomb starts a second consecutive game at quarterback Sunday for the Vikings.

Tarvaris Jackson returned to practice this week but continues to be limited because of a groin strain. Jackson missed last Sunday’s loss to Kansas City; if he sits out against the Packers on Sunday that would get him three weeks of rest because the Vikings have a bye the following Sunday.

Coach Brad Childress said Thursday that Jackson did “just a little bit more” in practice. “As you’d expect both he and Chester (Taylor) have come back with some soreness because they’ve moved like they haven’t moved since Tarvaris had his injury and Chester (had his),” Childress said.

The head coach would not speculate on Jackson’s status, or Taylor’s for that matter, saying, “We’ll just see how they pursue this. We’ve got a lot of time before we get to Sunday.”

Taylor has missed the past two games because of a hip injury, but first-round pick Adrian Peterson has played so well that Taylor’s absence has barely been notice.

In his first start since the 2005 season, Holcomb completed 14 of 28 passes for 165 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in the Vikings’ 13-10 defeat at Kansas City.

He also was sacked five times and admitted that on at least one occasion he should have gotten rid of the ball.

NOTES

WR Aundrae Allison didn’t win any points with the coaching staff last week when he brought the ball out from five yards deep in the end zone on a kickoff return. Nonetheless, special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro indicated Allison will remain in that role this week.

S Dwight Smith was limited in practice for a second consecutive day because of a hamstring injury. Smith was bothered by the injury last week but played against the Chiefs.

RB Chester Taylor continues to be limited in practice and could miss a third consecutive game Sunday because of a hip injury.

WR Troy Williamson also has been limited the first two days of practice this week after missing last Sunday’s game because of a hip injury. WR Robert Ferguson, who will be facing his former Packers teammates on Sunday, started in Williamson’s place against Kansas City.

FB Tony Richardson had full participation in practice for a second consecutive day and appears ready to return after missing two games because of a bruised forearm.