Oher backs off trash talk

Ravens rookie Michael Oher called his brief trash-talking segment with Vikings defensive end Jared Allen “a big misunderstanding” after an emotional game.

Apparently Baltimore rookie offensive tackle Michael Oher has learned when it is in his best interest to keep his mouth shut.

Oher caused a bit of a firestorm when he badmouthed Jared Allen, saying he was “nothing special” following the Vikings 33-31 win over the Ravens. The comment prompted Allen on the latest webisode of “After Party With Jay Glazer” on FoxSports.com to fire back that Oher was “some idiot trying to talk himself up,” adding that “I beat that dude like a red-headed stepchild.”

Was this the beginning of a war of words. Not likely. In an interview with the National Football Post, Oher sought to clear the air somewhat and backed off his previous statements in hopes of putting an end to the non-conference feud.

“It’s just a big misunderstanding,” Oher said of the trash talking. “That guy is a great player. I have nothing but respect for that guy. He’s doing a great job. He was definitely a challenge and I’ve got nothing but respect. We got into it during the game and it got kind of emotional, but it’s over now.”

Considering that they likely won’t meet again for four years, it was interesting that Oher would back off his comments like he did, but it’s good to see that the rookie found a way to put professional pride aside and extend the olive branch to end the mini-feud.

WEDNESDAY NOTES

We should learn more today as the Vikings start practice in preparation for the Steelers Sunday as to the potential availability of Antoine Winfield. Winfield, who suffered a foot injury in the win over the Ravens, had an MRI done on his foot and was seen at Winter Park in a walking boot Monday. Both following the game and in the locker room Monday, Winfield declined to go into detail about the injury. It is believed if he can’t go that Karl Paymah or Benny Sapp would take his place in the starting lineup. On Monday, head coach Brad Childress said he wasn’t ruling Winfield in or out because players heal differently and he wouldn’t be positive either way until the team gets back out on the practice field. However, it is sounding more and more like Winfield may miss Sunday’s game.

There are reports circulating that Childress is likely going to get a contract extension from owner Zygi Wilf at some point over the next couple of weeks.

If the Vikings merely go 5-5 in their final 10 games, they will finish with a record of 11-5, which historically has been enough to win the NFC North.

The Vikings didn’t make any deals prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline, but did sign CB DeAndre Wright of New Mexico to the practice squad. Wright was a sixth-round pick of the Giants last year and spent time on the practice squads of both the Giants and Lions over the past two seasons.

The Vikings also worked out wide receiver Logan Payne at the team complex Tuesday.

Adrian Peterson’s 143 yards rushing against Baltimore Sunday were the most yards a Ray Lewis-led Ravens defense has given up to a running since James Allen of the Bears rushed for 163 yards in 1998, according to Elias Sport Bureau.

Steelers kicker Jeff Reed will play Sunday against the Vikings. Reed was arrested and charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, simple assault and resisting arrest following the Steelers win Sunday. Coach Mike Tomlin said Reed won’t be suspended by the team. He is the only kicker on the Steelers roster.

Tomlin announced that second-year running back Rashard Mendenhall will keep the starting job for the Steelers, despite former starter Willie Parker being back and ready to play.

The Bears gave QB Jay Cutler a two-year contract extension through the 2013 season. The deal will pay him about $15 million a season.

Former Viking Marcus McCauley signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tuesday, just in time to board a plane to London as the team prepares to go up against Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the rest of the high-powered Patriots offense.

Former Vikings CB Brian Williams was put on injured reserve by the Falcons Tuesday with a torn ACL. Williams was injured making a play in the end zone in Atlanta’s 21-14 win over the Bears.