Updated March 18, 2010 @ 4:59 p.m.
The Lions need an explosive running back, and Kevin Smith, who was never that guy, is coming back from a torn ACL. PFW continues its examination of the needs of each NFL team, this time looking at the NFC North.
Updated March 17, 2010 @ 9:59 p.m.
Updated March 14, 2010 @ 11:11 p.m.
Updated March 03, 2010 @ 11:23 a.m.
Updated Feb. 27, 2010 @ 8:52 p.m.
Updated Feb. 26, 2010 @ 3:49 p.m.
Updated Feb. 19, 2010 @ 7:28 p.m.
Updated Feb. 18, 2010 @ 1:12 p.m.
Updated Feb. 17, 2010 @ 5:15 p.m.
Updated Jan. 30, 2010 @ 6:22 p.m.
Kennedy, Jimmy (DT)
Posted March 17, 2010 @ 5:08 p.m.
Kennedy will return to the Minnesota Vikings next season.
Kennedy was the 12th overall draft choice by St. Louis in 2003 and bounced around to Chicago and Jacksonville before finding a home in Minnesota. He has emerged as a valued backup to aging starter Pat Williams. He started one game in 2009 and had a career-best nine tackles in that game. Kennedy tied his career high with three sacks last season. The unrestricted free agent also visited the Buffalo Bills this offseason.
Henderson, E.J. (LB)
Posted March 16, 2010 @ 8:13 p.m.
Henderson is back on his feet and says he's on track to return to the field for training camp. Henderson broke his leg against Arizona on Dec. 6.
Henderson spoke to reporters on Tuesday night before receiving the team's annual award for community service. He was also hosting an event at Winter Park for his youth foundation. Henderson says he started walking without a cane a few weeks ago. He says his recovery is on schedule and that he should be back by August. He has been rehabilitating in the training room at team headquarters nearly every day.
Henderson, E.J. (LB)
Posted March 16, 2010 @ 8:08 p.m.
Henderson, who broke his leg on Dec. 6, is back on his feet and says he's on track to return to the field for training camp.
Henderson says he started walking without a cane a few weeks ago. He says his recovery is on schedule and that he should be back by August. He has been rehabilitating in the training room at team headquarters nearly every day.
Sapp, Benny (CB)
Posted March 09, 2010 @ 7:58 p.m.
Sapp agreed to terms on a new contract with the Vikings on Tuesday.
Sapp started a total of seven games last season while filling in for injured starter Antoine Winfield, totaling 25 tackles, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles during a particularly strong six-game stretch. He finished the regular season with 55 tackles, the most in his NFL seasons. Sapp served the rest of the season as the nickel back, and his presence this year will be important since Winfield and fellow starter Cedric Griffin are coming off injuries.
Longwell, Ryan (K)
Posted March 09, 2010 @ 12:29 p.m.
It appears that Longwell will not be handling kickoffs next season.
The Vikings signed kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd on Tuesday. Lloyd handled kickoffs for the Carolina Panthers the last two seasons, leading the NFL with 30 touchbacks in 2008. He had 21 touchbacks last year, tied for fourth-most in the league.