September 19, 2008 Darren Sharper was limited the last two days due to a shoulder ailment, but he is not concerned regarding his playing status for Week 3 against Carolina, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View:He looks to be ready to go, and the Vikings' secondary draws a tough assignment against Steve Smith, who will be making his 2008 debut after serving his two-game suspension.
September 18, 2008 Darren Sharper was added to the Vikings' injury report with a shoulder ailment, according to the Star Tribune. He was limited in Wednesday's practice.
Our View:The Vikings cannot afford to lose him for Week 3 against Carolina, as they are already playing without Madieu Williams and speed demon Steve Smith is set to return.
August 28, 2008 Darren Sharper believes the 2008 Vikings will be better than the 2007 club, according to the Star Tribune. The veteran safety said, "I don't know if you can compare it, because we haven't played any real games. I think the comparisons come when you play the regular-season games. It's too hard to tell in preseason how to compare a team, but I know this team is going to be a good team. That's something I definitely know. Having a lot of guys returning that played last year, we've got a lot of good guys that are going to definitely contribute to this being a good season."
Our View:Sharper has been impressed with rookie safety Tyrell Johnson, who is filling in until Madieu Williams (neck) is ready to make his regular season debut with the team. The team also improved their pass rush with elite defensive end Jared Allen as well as adding speed to the receiver position with deep threat Bernard Berrian. The Vikings could be viewed as a dark-horse in the NFC, but a lot will depend on the health (and progression) of injured quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.
May 26, 2008 Darren Sharper is climbing up the all-time interceptions list, according to the Star Tribune. If Sharper registers six interceptions this year, he will pass Darrell Green, Willie Brown, Eric Allen, Aeneas Williams, Pat Fischer, Lem Barney, Everson Walls, Johnny Robinson, Eugene Robinson, Bobby Boyd, Mel Blount and Emmitt Thomas into ninth on the career list. Another six interceptions in 2009 would move Sharper past Dick LeBeau, Dave Brown and Ronnie Lott and into a fifth-place tie with Ken Riley.
Our View:That would leave only four more names ahead of him. Vikings great Paul Krause (81), Emlen Tunnell (79), Rod Woodson (71) and Night Train Lane (68). Sharper stated that 2008 will not be his last campaign, and he is reportedly in mid-season form, in terms of preparation.
October 6, 2006 Darren Sharper returned to practice Thursday and said he will be able to play Sunday against Detroit, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. He's coming back from a sore quad.
