Berrian Inactive; Receiver's Future Uncertain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)-- Wide receiver Bernard Berrian's disappointing time with the Minnesota Vikings might be done.
Berrian was inactive for Sunday's game against Green Bay, the second time in three weeks he watched in street clothes from the sideline despite not being hurt. Against Arizona on Oct. 9, Berrian was benched for a disciplinary reason, reportedly for missing two team meetings, but this time coach Leslie Frazier said the deactivation was simply his decision.
Asked whether Berrian still has a future with the team moving forward, Frazier said, "It's something that we'll talk about this week."
Berrian had his most productive game of the season last week at Chicago, catching five passes for 54 yards, but he had a costly drop on third down in that game while running a slant route wide open. Berrian has been plagued by dropped balls and lackluster play since a solid first season with the Vikings in 2008 when he signed for $16 million guaranteed.
Berrian hasn't scored in any of Minnesota's last 23 games, since the start of the 2010 season, and he's had only one game with more than five catches.
Frazier declined to specify what the team's discussions would revolve around regarding Berrian's status.
"Just some general things we need to talk through and be able to be handle," Frazier said.
Cornerback Antoine Winfield was also inactive for the third straight game due to a neck injury. The Vikings had rookie defensive backs Brandon Burton and Mistral Raymond active to try to fill in for Winfield and cornerback Chris Cook, who was arrested early Saturday on domestic assault charges and spent the weekend in jail. Frazier declined to comment on Cook's legal situation.
"We'll just have to wait until we learn more about what's going on with him," Frazier said.
Asher Allen was in the starting lineup at cornerback for the Vikings opposite Cedric Griffin and Tyrell Johnson started for injured safety Jamarca Sanford, who has a concussion, giving Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers even more opportunities to pass his way to a 33-27 victory. Marcus Sherels was the nickel back.
Starting center John Sullivan, who was listed as doubtful with a concussion, also was inactive. Joe Berger started in his place.
For the Packers, defensive end Ryan Pickett was active after sustaining a concussion in practice Thursday. He missed practice Friday and was listed as questionable, but he played and finished with three tackles. The Packers were without nickel cornerback Sam Shields, who has a concussion, and left tackle Chad Clifton, who missed his second straight game with a torn hamstring. Marshall Newhouse started again for Clifton, after missing Friday's practice for personal reasons.
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