Fantasy Outlook

When the Vikings drafted Harvin in April it seemed to be a poor fit, like adding racing stripes to a station wagon; neither Tarvaris Jackson nor the Minnesota offensive brain trust projected to be creative enough to put Harvin’s talent to good use. Enter Brett Favre, who drew up plays in the dirt and consistently put the ball in Harvin’s hands in places where he could make plays. Mix in a couple big kick returns, the threat of the occasional end-around, and 2,081 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns later Harvin was your offensive Rookie of the Year. Building on last season, Minnesota has more in store for last year’s first-round pick. With Chester Taylor gone the Vikings are kicking around the idea of using Harvin as their third-down back at least some of the time, and he’s at minimum Minnesota’s clear-cut WR3. The concern with Harvin, in addition to the possibility he’ll be shackled with a quarterback who improvises with his feet instead of his arm, is the threat of migraine headaches that cost him one game last year and put his status in jeopardy right up to game time on at least a couple other occasions. That’s the risk; as the Vikings can tell you after drafting him when other teams had passed, the reward can make that risk look downright miniscule.

08-22-10 Update — The Vikings star remains a great talent and the return of Favre only helps. But his continuing problem with migraines is troublesome and is bound to crop up again during the season. And probably when you will want him the most.

Posted: 8/24/2010 11:38am et

Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin could return to practice Tuesday, Aug. 24, but his availability is considered day-to-day at this point, according to Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Huddle Up: Given Harvin's history last year and thus far this preseason, fantasy owners need to consider him day-to-day as well since you never know when he'll be felled by another migraine. On the bright side, if and when he is on the field he'll be asked to fill the void left by Sidney Rice's absence so his numbers should go up.

Posted: 8/23/2010 12:33pm et

Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin is expected to be back on the field for the team's practice Tuesday, Aug. 24, reports The Associated Press.

Huddle Up: Harvin has missed much of the Vikings' preseason with migraines. This is his first action after collapsing at practice last week, so expect the team to bring him along slowly.

Posted: 8/20/2010 12:26pm et

Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin is alert and resting in a local hospital, reports The Associated Press, according to head coach Brad Childress, who spent the afternoon with Harvin Thursday, Aug. 19. "Percy appreciates everyone's concern," Childress said in a statement posted on the team's website. "He is alert and resting comfortably, but will remain in the hospital overnight."

Huddle Up: While it's good to hear that Harvin, who collapsed at practice Thursday, is better, it appears as if the migraine problems that plagued Harvin at times last season have not abated. You'll have to build in an expected game or two absence if you're planning on drafting Harvin for your fantasy squad.

Posted: 8/19/2010 9:49pm et

Updating previous reports, there have been encouraging reports on the status of Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin (migraine) after he was taken away in an ambulance Thursday, Aug. 19, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Huddle Up: The status of Harvin is of definite concern for Minnesota and fantasy owners alike as it is unclear at the present time how long he may be out. It does appear that things may be better than originally thought but look for the team to be cautious with Harvin and not rush him back until he has been medically cleared. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the situation and look for Harvin to slide down draft charts while his status is in question. Harvin could be a bargin pick if savvy owners look to take a chance on him.

Posted: 8/19/2010 4:56pm et

Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin (migraine) vomited and collapsed after suffering a migraine headache Thursday, Aug. 19, according to the Pioneer Press. 'He had an episode,' said head coach Brad Childress, referring to Harvin suffering a migraine. 'Earlier, he had looked up in the sky fielding a punt and went back off the field to deal with it. And then he came back out to work with the offense, and quickly collapsed.' Harvin has been dealing with migraine headaches since he was 10.

Huddle Up: We don't recall hearing of an ambulance being involved with a migraine. The whole thing is scary so we'll just let the news steer us where to go here.

Posted: 8/19/2010 2:40pm et

Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin (migraine) collapsed on the field during practice Thursday, Aug. 19, and left in an ambulance, according to ESPNews. Harvin's injury is likely related to a migraine headache, according to 1500ESPN.com's Tom Pelissero.

Huddle Up: This seems really serious, this migraine problem. It just seems to be getting worse. We also recall Harvin getting an MRI last December that revealed two bulging discs in his neck. Harvin told NBC's Andrea Kremer the back of his neck was "really sore" after each game since high school.

Posted: 8/5/2010 11:13am et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress said he is not sure when WR Percy Harvin will return to the team after leaving due to the death of his grandmother, according to Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Huddle Up: Vikings backups are getting plenty of looks in training camp with Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice, and Harvin all missing practice for various reasons. It's not a concern now, but when the band gets back together towards the end of August Brad Childress will want all hands on deck. If there's a silver lining in Harvin's absence, it's that the Vikings don't have an opportunity to rush him back too soon from the ankle tweak he suffered at the start of training camp.

Posted: 8/2/2010 12:11pm et

Updating a previous item, Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin injured his ankle Saturday, July 31, but he was able to take part in the evening workout Saturday, reports Brian Murphy, of the Pioneer Press. "It was just a little tweak in my ankle. It hurt at first (and) it swelled up, but we got the swelling to go down," Harvin told KSTP-AM 1500 radio.

Huddle Up: The injury looked serious as Harvin was carted off the field, but he did return to participate in the evening session. He's expected to miss some practice time this week, but that's due to personal reasons (a death in the family) rather than the ankle.

Posted: 7/31/2010 11:14pm et

Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin (undisclosed) is taking part in the evening practice Saturday, July 31, reports Chip Scoggins, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Harvin was carted off the field in the team's morning practice after suffering an undisclosed injury.

Huddle Up: Updating an earlier report, Harvin is practicing again today and does not appear to have any serious injuries. He is clearly one of the main cogs in the passing game and appears to be in line for an even bigger role this season. Fantasy owners should consider Harvin a quality No. 2 wideout with tremendous upside to be a No. 1 if Brett Favre returns as expected.

Posted: 7/31/2010 6:32pm et

Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin (undisclosed) was carted off the field Saturday, July 31, because of an undisclosed injury, reports Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. No one saw Harvin suffer an obvious injury during practice.

Huddle Up: Reports are that the injury was suffered while making "catch of the day." Early indications suggest it's a leg injury, though some are reporting being told that Harvin is "fine" and the injury is not serious.

Posted: 6/14/2010 12:12am et

Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin has added 10 to 12 pounds this offseason, report Chip Scoggins and Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Harvin said he currently weighs 205 pounds but would like to start the season at 200 pounds.

Huddle Up: Harvin could use a little additional bulk if the Vikings plan to use him out of the backfield more, especially on third downs.

Posted: 4/12/2010 1:20pm et

Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin looks bigger and in tremendous shape, according to Chip Scoggins, of The Minneapolis Star Tribune. Harvin said he weighs 207 pounds now, but ideally will play around 200 pounds during the upcoming season. "I wanted to be stronger. I know I'll probably lose some so I'll probably play at 202, 200. That will be good for me," Harvin said. He noted his body feels fresh compared to last year at this time and he knows everything now, so entering his second year will be smooth. He does not know if he'll join the team for their voluntary workouts Monday, April 12, but said he talked to his coach and will go to Minnesota to work out a little bit. In regards to his migraine problems, Harvin said he still suffers from them at different times. "It's off and on," he noted. "Still working them out. Hopefully we'll keep working at it... it's just something that hopefully I can contain."

Huddle Up: The added bulk will come in handy if the Vikings use Harvin more out of the backfield as a third-down back, which might be the case as they look to fill the touches vacated by Chester Taylor's departure.