EDEN PRAIRIE - Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway's streak of playing in 115 games appears in dire jeopardy after he missed practice again Thursday because of a broken hand and a broken rib.
It has been a good news/bad news week for Greenway, whose wife had their third child on Tuesday.
So, he was a bit sleep deprived when he missed Wednesday's practice.
But when Greenway was held out Thursday, his playing streak -- including 90 consecutive starts, the longest among NFL linebackers -- appeared in trouble regardless of his declarations to the contrary.
"I've always been able to figure out a way," he said Wednesday. "At this point take it day to day and see where we're at."
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It appears the Vikings are preparing to go with Gerald Hodges, a promising second-year player who was drafted out of Penn State in the 2013 draft's fourth round. He has looked good playing in nickel defenses.
Greenway's left hand is wrapped in a partial splint that allows only his thumb, index and middle fingers to grab opponents and that is not even considering the pain of a rib injury.
But he is nothing if not persistent.
Greenway played the final 10 games of 2013 despite a broken wrist, but the combination of injuries this time might be prohibitive.
Cornerback Josh Robinson (hamstring), nose tackle Linval Joseph (shoulder) and free safety Harrison Smith (knee) took part in practice Thursday to some degree and are expected
Tight end Kyle Rudolph was placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of a sports hernia and is expected to return later in the season.
