Griffen not expected back with Vikings 'anytime soon'

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen, away from the team since Sept. 20 as he deals with mental health issues, will not be returning "anytime soon," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen, away from the team since Sept. 20 as he deals with mental health issues, will not be returning "anytime soon," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters last week that Griffen would be out until at least Week 6.

The 30-year-old pass rusher played in Minnesota's first two games but was inactive in Week 3 with a knee injury.

That same week, police were called to Hotel Ivy in Minnesota, where Griffen was reportedly involved in a disturbance. He had checked in to the hotel the week before.

According to the Minnesota Star-Tribune, Griffen had become "increasingly paranoid" and "thought someone was trying to kill him" before the episode in the hotel.

Afterwards, the team told Griffen to focus on getting help.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection, who led Minnesota with 13 sacks in 2017, said he was dealing with "personal issues" and vowed to return to the team in an Instagram post last week.

"I apologize for not being able to take the field with my teammates and do not have an exact timeline for my return," Griffen wrote. "I promise, however, I will return as a much-improved person and player."

(With inputs from agencies.)