Childress press conference highlights

Vikings coach Brad Childress talked for nearly 15 minutes today, and he candidly addressed the team's offensive issues and injuries.

First the injuries.
* FB Tony Richardson has a fractured right thumb, but he does not need surgery. Richardson, who met with a hand specialist this morning, said he would not miss any games and still can catch passes.

* DE Darrion Scott suffered a Grade I high left ankle sprain. According to the Foot and Ankel Institute, Grade I ankle sprains are "often from a slight turning of the ankle without significant swelling or pain.
"The region is very slightly tender and there is no feeling of looseness to the ankle," the explanation continued. "There is also minimal pain to ambulation."

* G Steve Hutchinson played through knee and ankle stiffness that sidelined him for one play in the first quarter. Childress indicated he would be fine.

* S Will Hunter had back spasms.

* LB Napoleon Harris and WR Marcus Robinson are still uncertain for Sunday's game. But Childress said Robinson would "pick up his training intensity" this week.

* Childress also said that CB Fred Smoot's brother was killed in a car accident this weekend. Smoot did not find out until after Sunday's game in San Francisco, as the team was about to return to the Twin Cities on a flight.
Smoot has returned to his home in Jackson, Miss., and Childress is not sure when he will return.