Childs Waits

The Minnesota Vikings placed receiver Greg Childs on the reserve/physically unable to perform list yesterday. This will keep him from practicing with the team until at least October. He's attempting to become the first NFL player to return from tearing the patellar tendon in both knees. It's an injury that took place in last year's training camp. There was hope, especially from Childs, that he would return for training camp this year but the team is rightfully taking no chances. While this roster move is disappointing, especially for Childs, the fact that the Vikings didn't release him or place him on season-ending injured reserve could be viewed as an encouraging sign.

Greg Childs was one of the Minnesota Vikings' three fourth round picks in the 2012 NFL Draft. At 6'3" and 217 lbs, he was expected to be the big, downfield receiving threat that the team has missed, and needed, since Sidney Rice bolted for the Seattle Seahawks. He started the 2012 training camp in promising fashion. During the scrimmage at the end of the first week, Childs went up for a pass and came down with a torn patellar tendon in each knee. It was a brutal, freaky injury. He'd torn the same tendon in just his right knee while he was in college at Arkansas. There was concern after his devastating training camp injury that he'd never play again. Childs refused to accept that. He attacked his rehab. He stayed in Minnesota through the cold winter and worked. Through all the work he's been upbeat and optimistic. The Vikings experienced a miracle-like comeback last year in Adrian Peterson's return from shredding his knee. Childs' comeback would be even more remarkable as no one has ever returned from tearing both patellar tendons. He feels that he's ready now but the Vikings aren't taking any chances. Childs will be eligible to come off the reserve/physically unable to perform list in the latter half of the season. We'll see how that plays out. It might be best to keep him on the shelf through the season and start fresh in the offseason. He's worked so hard to get back. Whether it's this season or next, Greg Childs will return to the football field.