Migraines continue to sideline Harvin

Rookie Percy Harvin missed the two most important days of practice again this week because of his migraine headaches, and his status for Sunday continues to be uncertain.

The Vikings have little idea if wide receiver Percy Harvin will be able to play Sunday in Carolina, and at this point that probably isn’t even that big of concern.

What is worrisome is the long-term prognosis for Harvin, who has been dealing with migraine headaches for much of this season.

Harvin, the favorite to win NFL rookie of the year honors, missed his first game of the season Sunday against Cincinnati because of migraines and has not practiced this week. He also missed practice all of last week.

Harvin had missed various other practices this season because of the intense headaches but had been able to play in games. He went to see more doctors last Monday and was put through tests, but because the episodes are so unpredictable it has the team concerned.

“We’re attempting to look into and see if there are any common denominators,” coach Brad Childress said of the tests Harvin is undergoing. “He’s been having them for a good period of time. It’s important for us to get some kind of baseline if we can, doctor-wise, and yet still know that (the migraines) are fairly unpredictable. We as coaches — you know, the controlling types — we would like to control those things but that’s something beyond my control. So I’m maturing too in the things I can control and can’t control.”

Harvin has suffered from migraines since he was 10 years old. He missed two games as a sophomore at the University of Florida. However, the episodes seem to be more frequent of late and Childress said doctors want to rule out any other possibilities.

“You know I think (the doctors) attempt to allay their fears in terms of other things, worse things, by asking questions,” Childress said. “But not being a doctor, they’ve got a whole set of kind of protocols that they are taking him through.”

NOTES

WR Bernard Berrian was limited Wednesday and Thursday because of a hamstring injury that has bothered him for much of the season.

CB Cedric Griffin was limited for a second consecutive day because of a neck injury that also bothered him last week but did not cause him to miss any time Sunday.

LG Steve Hutchinson was limited for a second consecutive day because of a shoulder injury that he has been able to play through.

S Tyrell Johnson was limited for a second consecutive day after being held out all last week and missing Sunday’s game against Cincinnati because of a concussion.

RT Phil Loadholt was limited for a second consecutive day by a shoulder injury suffered Dec. 6 at Arizona. He was able to play Sunday.

CB Karl Paymah (knee/ankle) was limited for a second consecutive day after missing last Sunday’s game.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe was limited Wednesday and Thursday because of rib and foot issues.

C John Sullivan was limited Wednesday and Thursday because of a concussion.

CB Antoine Winfield, who returned last Sunday after missing six games, remains limited in practice this week.

WR Sidney Rice did not practice Thursday because of an illness.

DE Ray Edwards was added to the injury report and limited Thursday because of an issue with his back.