Sept. 17 (UPI) — Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen sustained a concussion in a car accident earlier this week after swerving to avoid a deer, head coach Mike Zimmer said Friday.
Griffen, who was added to the team’s injury report because of the concussion, was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Anthony Barr (knee), Christian Darrisaw (groin) and Harrison Hand (hamstring) also were ruled out for the Vikings.
The 33-year-old Griffen missed Thursday’s practice after entering the NFL’s concussion protocol.
#MINvsAZ injury report
OUT: Anthony Barr, Christian Darrisaw, Everson Griffen, Harrison Hand
QUESTIONABLE: Eric Kendricks— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 17, 2021
The Minnetrista Public Safety Department said in a statement that Griffen was involved in a single-vehicle crash at 6:30 a.m. Thursday while traveling to the Vikings’ TCO Performance Center.
Griffen told police at the scene that he lost control of his vehicle when he tried to avoid the deer in the road. The veteran defensive lineman crashed into a tree after going off the road.
Police said Griffen suffered only minor injuries, and he was treated at the scene of the crash by paramedics.
Griffen rejoined the Vikings this season after playing for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys in 2020. The four-time Pro Bowl selection spent his first 10 NFL seasons in Minnesota.