Michael Floyd isn’t exactly borrowing from former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who wrote the book, “Just Give Me the Damn Ball!’’ Still, Floyd wouldn’t mind a few more balls coming his way.
The Vikings receiver has been targeted four times and has two receptions for 24 yards in his first two games back after serving a four-game NFL suspension.
“I think every skill person wants the ball in their hands,’’ Floyd, who signed with Minnesota as a free agent in May, said Friday. “But it’s just the flow of the game and see how it goes and what the play call is.’’
In his first Vikings game, Floyd had a leaping reception on the sideline for 19 yards Oct. 9 at Chicago. In his second outing, Sunday’s 23-10 win over Green Bay, he had one catch for 5 yards before being lost for the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.
Floyd is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Baltimore at U.S. Bank Stadium, but he said he is feeling better and optimistic about playing. If available, Floyd might start for a second consecutive time in place of Stefon Diggs, out with a groin injury.
Floyd, a St. Paul native who starred at Cretin-Derham Hall High School, was suspended for the first four games after being convicted in February following an arrest last December for extreme DUI. He does not believe missing time with his hamstring injury has stalled any of the progress he has made.
“No,’’ he said. “Injuries come with the game. It’s just about mentally staying into the game.’’
NEWMAN HELPS TEDDY
Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater made a point in singling out cornerback Terence Newman for help in his recovery from a severe knee injury. Newman said his assistance was just business as usual.
Bridgewater returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a torn ACL in August 2016. He practiced Friday for the third straight day.
“I don’t want to single anyone out, but I”m going to — Terence Newman, he’s awesome,’’ Bridgewater said Thursday. “And there’s a reason he played in this league for so long (15 years). He mentored me throughout this process. He always kept me smiling. … There’s a reason he’s a captain.’’
Newman said he made a point of telling Bridgewater to remain upbeat.
“I just encouraged him,’’ Newman said. “I just wanted to make sure that he attacked (rehabilitation) like he attacks everything else. Be happy, smiling, I just always encouraged him pretty much.’’
Newman shrugged off hearing that Bridgewater had thanked him but has been excited to see the quarterback back on the field. Bridgewater remains on the physically unable to perform list, and the Vikings have until Nov. 8 to restore him to the roster or place him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
“We’re working him in, seeing how he is doing movement-wise and go from there,’’ said Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer.
BARR BOUNCES BACK
Some have suggested Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr has returned to his 2015 form. He figures he’s even better than that.
Barr had a banner 2015 season and made the Pro Bowl. Barr again received an invitation last season but has admitted he didn’t play up to his standards.
Barr this season is rated as the No. 8 linebacker in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. While he dismissed that ranking, he doesn’t deny he has played well.
“I think I’m better than I’ve ever been,’’ Barr said. “I feel very good with where I’m at as a player. … I think I’m playing well. I just got to continue to get better and continue to play well.’’
VIKINGS FINED
Two Vikings were fined by the NFL after incurring penalties against the Packers.
Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell was docked $24,309 for an illegal blindside block in the second quarter on cornerback Lenzy Pipkins. Barr was fined $9,115 for unnecessary roughness after he head butted Green Bay wide receiver Davante Adams in the first quarter.
Also, Packers linebacker Jake Ryan was fined $18,231 for a horse-collar tackle in the first quarter on Minnesota running back Jerick McKinnon.
