T-Jack likely to start

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — While the Minnesota Vikings say quarterback Gus Frerotte’s lower back is feeling better by the day, all signs are pointing to Tarvaris Jackson getting the start Sunday at Arizona.

Coach Brad Childress said Frerotte threw about 25 passes on the side on Thursday, but the 37-year-old did not participate in practice for the second day in a row.

Jackson again took all the snaps with the starters and is poised to make his first start in more than three months when the Vikings play the Cardinals.

“I wouldn’t say it’s official yet,” offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said, when asked if Jackson is the starter. “Gus came in feeling better today and he’s making a push to still try and make it. We think he has the ability as a veteran to do it on fewer reps, so he’s going to make a push, and in the meantime that he’s not out there, Tarvaris will continue to go.”

Frerotte was injured in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions last week after throwing his second interception of the game.

In his first action in 12 weeks, Jackson completed eight of 10 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown to rally the Vikings to a 20-16 victory. He said the key to his success against the Lions was being thrust into the moment and not having time to put too much pressure on himself.

“Just going out there and just doing it,” Jackson said of the difference. “Because I see where it got me last time and I don’t want to head down that road or let that be the reason why I’m back on the sideline. I just want to focus on making the play or when I get a chance to play just go out there and just do it.”

Frerotte took over for Jackson after an 18-15 loss to Indianapolis on Sept. 14 dropped the Vikings to 0-2. He is 8-3 as Minnesota’s starter, despite throwing a league-high 15 interceptions.

Judge extends injunction

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota judge extended his preliminary injunction against the NFL’s suspension of five players for violating the league’s anti-doping policy, a move their lawyer said will let them play the rest of the season.

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson asked both parties to propose a schedule by Dec. 22 for further proceedings that would lead to an eventual hearing on the merits of the case, a process that could take months. The regular season ends Dec. 28.

“The players and the union are thrilled,” Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney for the NFL Players Association, told The AP. He said the judge’s timeframe is long enough that the two Minnesota Vikings and three New Orleans Saints can finish the season and go to the playoffs if their teams make it that far.

Tags: nfl, football, viking, frerotte, jackson, quarterback