Vikings WR Percy Harvin a 'long shot' to play against Lions on Sunday

The Detroit Lions' first game against the Minnesota Vikings this season got off to an awful start thanks to Percy Harvin. He returned the game's opening kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown and set the tone for another bad special teams performance by the Lions. Detroit allowed a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown by Marcus Sherels later in the game, and the Vikings ultimately ended up winning by a score of 20-13.

On Sunday, when the Lions and Vikings meet again, it looks like Minnesota will not have Harvin. He suffered an injury this past Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, and he was seen on crutches on Monday. Harvin said that he sprained his left ankle in three different places, and he considers himself to be a "long shot" to play on Sunday because of the injury. He isn't saying he for sure won't play, but it seems unlikely that he will be able to give it a go.

"Does it make sense?" to sit out Sunday, Harvin said. "To me, no. But if that's what has to happen, then that's what has to happen. I'm shooting to try to play and get everything I can. If I can't, then I'll have to rest it. But I'm not ruling myself out."

It obviously would be good news for the Lions if Harvin can't play on Sunday. He is not only a threat as a receiver and in general as a runner whenever he touches the ball, but he's also a big threat on special teams. The Lions found that out earlier this season, and not having to worry about him would be an advantage for Detroit this week.

In other injury news, Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has a hamstring injury and could be out a couple weeks, according to Mike McCarthy. The Lions play the Packers a week from Sunday, so that will certainly be something to keep an eye on.

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