Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker E.J. Henderson took another significant step in his recovery from a fractured femur on Friday, going through all individual and group drills during the opening practice of minicamp.
That included making a series of relatively sharp cuts while shadowing scout-team receivers, albeit below full speed, and Henderson didn't appear to have any trouble before leaving when competitive drills began.
"I know he was excited to get back out here and move around with the guys and get through some individual drills," coach Brad Childress said. "I wish I could tell you that it surprised me, but the way he has attacked this thing is amazing."
Injured in a nasty collision with teammate Jamarca Sanford on Dec. 6 at Arizona, Henderson said last week he'll be "ready to rock" when training camp opens on or around July 31.
However, the Vikings have been proceeding as though second-year pro Jasper Brinkley -- who continued to take first-team reps during team drills Friday -- will start when the season opens Sept. 9 at New Orleans.
Asked whether Henderson's timeline is realistic, Childress said. "Nobody has told me to be pessimistic about it. He hasn't had a whole heck of a lot of setbacks. Maybe we will see some down the line here, but I haven't seen any of them."
Vikings news
