Minnesota Vikings

Viking linebacker Chad Greenway was named as a replacement for injured linebacker Lance Briggs of the Bears to play for the NFC in the Pro Bowl January 29 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Greenway led the Vikings in tackles with 174 in 2011. He has led the Vikings in tackles 4 straight seasons.

The Vikings announced Tuesday that Rick Spielman has been promoted from Vice President of Player Personnel to General Manager. Spielman has had input on personnel decisions but will now be responsible for all personnel decisions. Spielman has headed up the Vikings draft since 2006.

The Vikings lost 17-13 at home to the Chicago Bears Sunday afternoon to close the season with a 3-13 record. Jared Allen had 3 1/2 sacks to set a franchise record for most sacks in a season. He finishes with 22 sacks and finishes 1/2 sack back of Michael Strahan for the most in a single season. Christian Ponder (hip) and Toby Gerhart (knee) both left the game early with injuries.

Viking quarterback Christian Ponder passed his concussion tests Wednesday and practiced in full and is expected to start at quarterback for the Vikings Sunday against Chicago. Ponder suffered a concussion and was removed from the game Saturday at Washington. He said he experienced a headache Saturday night but felt fine Sunday and Monday was cleared to practice Wednesday.

The NFL announced the NFC and AFC Pro Bowl teams Tuesday and defensive end Jared Allen is the lone Minnesota Viking to make the NFC team. Allen leads the NFL in sacks with 18.5 and is just 3 sacks away from setting a new Viking franchise record for sacks in a season.

Viking running back Adrian Peterson suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee in the 3rd quarter when he took a hit directly to his knee. Peterson knew immediately it was a severe injury but managed to leave the field with help from the training staff. He was then carted to the locker room.

The Vikings rallied in the 2nd half to beat the Redskins in Washington 33-26 Saturday afternoon. Minnesota and Washington were tied at 10 at halftime and early in the 3rd quarter Adrian Peterson left the game with a knee injury and on the next play quarterback Christian Ponder suffered a concussion and didn't return. Joe Webb and Toby Gerhart led the Vikings for 3 2nd half touchdowns. Webb was 4-5 passing for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns and he ran for 34 yards and another touchdown.

Viking running back Adrian Peterson claimed the New Orleans Saints were intentionally trying to re-injure his left ankle in Sunday's game. Peterson had missed the previous 3 games with a high ankle sprain in his left ankle. Peterson said he expected the Saints defenders to go after his ankle.

The Vikings lost 42-20 to New Orleans Sunday afternoon to fall to 2-12 on the season. The Saints piled up 573 yards of total offense compared to 207 yards for the Vikings. Drew Brees threw for 412 yards and 5 touchdowns for New Orleans. Christian Ponder was 14-31 passing for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception. Adrian Peterson ran 10 times for 60 yards after missing 3 games with a high ankle sprain in his left ankle.

Viking running back Adrian Peterson says he'll play Sunday when the Vikings host New Orleans Sunday at noon, pregame on WJON at 11am. Peterson has missed the last 3 games with a high ankle sprain in his left ankle. He joked Thursday that he's been getting pressured by fans on Twitter who want him back to help their fantasy football teams. Peterson was limited in practice Thursday.