Vikings' Everson Griffen injured in deer-related car accident

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings DE Everson Griffen injured in car accident after swerving to miss deer

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/17/21

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen will miss Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals after he was involved in a car accident.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer announced Friday that Griffen was involved in a car accident on his way to the team's practice facility on Thursday. He swerved to miss a deer in the road, and that's why he showed up on the injury report with a concussion, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin.

Everson Griffen was involved in a car accident on his way into the practice facility on Thursday. Mike Zimmer said the DE swerved to miss a deer in the road. It’s why he showed up on the injury report with a concussion.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 17, 2021

It's unclear where the crash occurred. No further information about Griffen or the accident was provided.

Griffen played 28 snaps in Minnesota's Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He rejoined the Vikings this summer after spending the 2020 campaign with the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions.

The 33-year-old had six sacks, 33 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and 14 quarterback hits last season.

Griffen spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Minnesota, earning four Pro Bowl selections. In 147 games, he recorded 74.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, two interceptions, 355 tackles, 86 tackles for a loss and 176 quarterback hits.

Before joining the Vikings this summer, Griffen said he "never should've left" after the 2019 campaign.

In addition to Griffen, Anthony Barr, Harrison Hand and Christian Darrisaw have been ruled out for Week 2. Eric Kendricks is questionable.

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