Vikes wide receiver Jerome Simpson's three-game suspension for violating the NFL 's substance abuse policy will come to an end Monday, meaning he can rejoin the Vikings on a full-time basis and go through all team activities.
Simpson, who was signed as a free agent during the offseason after four seasons in Cincinnati, should provide the Vikings with a vertical threat upon his return for next Sunday's game in Detroit.
"Obviously, (Simpson is) a great player and we're going to find ways to use him and get the ball to him," QB Christian Ponder said. "We're excited he'll be back for this game (next Sunday)."
WR Percy Harvin seems especially excited that Simpson will join him on the field.
"Let's party," he said. "It's another weapon. We'll welcome him back. It's something for us to keep going, and for us to keep going we need all our weapons."
Simpson will likely be a popular pickup with his return this week and perhaps already was last week. He gives the team a vertical threat, a week after Ponder threw for two TDs in an upset win over the 49ers. For now, temper expectations for Simpson until he's back in game shape. If you have the roster room, he could be worth stashing away. This will also likely mean less time for Michael Jenkins and Devin Aromashodu