After all the hype surrounding Brett Favre's potential unretirement, the Minnesota Vikings have been trying to get back to normal.Part of that normalcy is a training camp competition for the starting quarterback position. Incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and newcomer Sage Rosenfels will battle it out through the preseason for the right to start the opener Sept. 13 in Cleveland. For Jackson, his chances at the gig were -- at least temporarily -- in serious danger during Saturday morning's workout in Mankato, Minn.
Jackson was working in an 11-on-11 drill during practice when his left leg was rolled up on by defensive lineman Letroy Guion.
The initial report on Jackson's knee injury -- according to Pro Football Talk -- was an MCL sprain. While a more serious issue could have knocked Jackson out for some time, it's believed that he only suffered a Grade 1 sprain.
In the end, this single injury doesn't appear to be enough to tilt the quarterback battle toward Rosenfels. We've just started camp, and the Vikings are still almost two weeks away from their preseason opener. However, what could hurt the fourth-year pro is an injury history that is starting to pile up.Jackson has already suffered knee, groin and finger injuries, as well as a concussion. He's not the most reckless quarterback in the league, but he likes to get out of the pocket, and his athleticism and arm strength make him a more dangerous player when he does that.
It also opens him up to more hits, and that doesn't appear to be helping him much.
More should be known about Jackson's injury after a Saturday evening practice in Mankato.
Latest NFL Images
Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox misses a catch during NFL football training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith, left, talks with offensive coordinator Ron Turner during NFL football training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Byron Leftwich passes during workouts at the team's NFL football training camp, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman fades back to pass during the team's NFL football training camp, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Marc Dile, center, throws defensive tackle Roy Miller (93) to the ground during drills during the team's NFL football training camp, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Elbert Mack (33) intercepts a pass intended for tight end Jason Piciask (84) during the team's NFL football training camp, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Greg Olson, left, and head coach Raheem Morris watch workouts during the team's NFL football training camp, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
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San Francisco 49ers running back Glen Coffee takes a handoff from quarterback Damon Huard during NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill throws during NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Shaun Hill, left, and Alex Smith go through drills during NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-01-2009 @ 5:10PM
Eddie Hoffman said...
What could hurt the 4th year pro is a history of injuries beginning to pile up ? At what point does a history of poor play hurt this 4th year pro ? how does he even rate consideration as a starter with the Eagles playoff debacle still fresh in fans minds ?
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8-01-2009 @ 6:00PM
KingGreat said...
Are you? familiar with! the use of; punctuation@
8-01-2009 @ 5:55PM
Stewart Allen said...
Tavaris "Buick" Jackson is it? Or Brurick? Whatever the case, the Minnesota Vikings are complete idiots to think they will ever win with him behind center. Piss poor completion percentage, and a panic master in the pocket. At best he's an arena football player, the NFL, not even close! Whoever was in charge of drafting this loser should be fired!
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8-01-2009 @ 6:09PM
Jesse said...
Not a knock on the man himself, but isn't this the first time that the words "Vikings QB" and "Brett Favre" weren't used in the same sentence since the offseason began?
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8-01-2009 @ 7:22PM
ANTON said...
Hey Stewart Allen, go up to the teams on the left side and check out Matt Ryans 16 game stats to Jackson 16 game stats, nearly identical, Jackson lost 4 more fumbles I think but are nearly even on others. Plus, Matt was picked #3 over all and Jackson was a less talented late 2nd round pick who had no WR to speak of while Ryan had good WR. The Vikes have to go with the best player that knows the system and Jackson amy be a 4th year player but he has only played one season total. Give him another year to progress. Dilfer and Big Ben did it with a very low QB rating by riding a good D and a great running game.
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8-01-2009 @ 7:36PM
Eddie Hoffman said...
Hey Kingnerd, What does this look like to you, a spelling bee ? Get your puncuation crap off this board. This is SPORTS baby. 3 questions warrant 3 question marks numbnut.
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8-01-2009 @ 11:09PM
KingGreat said...
Read. your, first; "question" again' cupcake! Then ask yourself if you really need the space between the question itself and the question mark. Your punctuation is horrible, thereby making your comments difficult to read and nonsensical. Plus, I am fully outfitted with testicles, so I should be labeled as "numbnutS." Pluralization and punctuation separate us from the typical sports talk rabble. Join me.
8-01-2009 @ 7:58PM
Leftyfixit said...
The sky really Isn't falling. What if Tarvaris is good enough to win and get the Vikings into the playoffs? will all of you skeptics get off of his back then? Let's give him a chance and see how the season works out. If nothing else there is always the 2010 draft. Personally I believe that the Vikings have everything and everyone they need to win it all.God Bless the vikings.
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8-01-2009 @ 9:58PM
charlescamper4 said...
You know being a die hard Vikings fan. Why did we waste our time on Farve????????????? We should have tried for a decent draft pick. Tavarius sucks and so does upper management. We will never win a Superbowl with Childress. We need a QB !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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8-01-2009 @ 11:43PM
gonzo1 said...
the vikings would be better off if he DID have a season ending injury , i don't wish injury or bad health on anyone ; but face it this guy is NOT an nfl quarterback . he's not even a decent college quarterback.
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8-01-2009 @ 11:53PM
redheadedqt said...
With Tavaris down- does this open the door for Favre again? Maybe he could make a deal and not do training camp - lol
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8-02-2009 @ 12:01AM
D.B. Ballantine said...
What up with the english tutor on the Viking board? Sounds like we have a little jock envy going on. Get over the fact you won some spelling bees but sucked in the athletic dept. bud and keep it sports oriented. Also, this is a family site, ixnay with the testicle talk. OK ?
Reply
8-02-2009 @ 12:41AM
sugar crisp said...
So you repeat what was said? the same thing you ask to be nixed? kinda dumb. at least king had a point. i thought it was kinda funny anyways
8-02-2009 @ 2:10AM
Chip Ware said...
Enough already people! T-Jerk flat out sucks. This injury is a blessing in disguise. Time for Sage Brush to kick some ass.
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8-02-2009 @ 6:13PM
Ernie Rodbody said...
Let`s face it folks, cut the crap. This guy , Tarvarian Jackson, is the next coming of Quincy Carter, he is going nowhere. Only trouble is, the Cowboys had lousy teams in the Quincy years so they could give him a shot. This Viking team, now and for the last 2 years , could have made it with even a decent QB. Enough already Childress, so you made a bad pick. Not the end of the world. Your lucky to still be employed , now forget Jackson. He sucks.
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8-02-2009 @ 10:06PM
Bort Simpson said...
My word! The punctuation on this board is atrocious!
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