George Edwards called his drunken-driving arrest this spring a "one-time deal" when speaking publicly Thursday for the first time since the incident became known this week.
Edwards, the Vikings' 49-year-old defensive coordinator, was charged with three misdemeanors, including fourth-degree DWI, after he was pulled over in Chanhassen on the night of May 21. Edwards pleaded guilty to misdemeanor careless driving Aug. 30 and was sentenced to one year of probation and paid a $1,000 fine.
"I want to say publicly as I've done privately that I apologize to our organization, our owners, our players, everybody involved in this organization for any negative light that has been shined upon because of this poor decision I made," Edwards said. "It was definitely my responsibility. It was a poor decision on my part and I've taken the steps to ensure it doesn't happen again.
"I don't think it's a one-time deal, I know it's a one-time deal."
This week, the Vikings acknowledged the arrest in a statement saying Edwards was "significantly disciplined." Edwards made a "huge monetary commitment" as directed by the team, according to head coach Mike Zimmer. That undisclosed fine to the Vikings will eventually be donated to charity.
Edwards was pulled over because he did not signal on multiple turns into a Taco Bell, according to the arrest report. Edwards told police he'd had two drinks and had already made it back home to Eden Prairie but returned to Taco Bell because he'd received the wrong order. After failing field sobriety tests, Edwards registered a .10 blood alcohol content an hour after his arrest, above the .08 legal limit.
"I notified the team right away, notified Coach of it," Edwards said. "I followed the protocol and went through the steps that were necessary to be at this point right now."
Edwards has been with the Vikings since 2014. His arrest from the spring just became public after the team released practice squad guard Isame Faciane following a DWI arrest last week.
Back to hitting
Tackle Jake Long crunched pads this week for the first time in nearly a year. Long, who signed a one-year deal this month, is still knocking the rust away. His last start came two years ago. He's expected to at least provide tackle depth on Sunday in Philadelphia.
"In the game, it's definitely a faster pace," said Long, who has worked at both left and right tackle this week. "But I'm feeling good with where I'm at now."
Will 'Jet' throw it?
The Vikings' wildcat formations could be spiced up if they ever had running back Jerick McKinnon throw it. McKinnon, who threw 12 touchdowns and five picks as a triple-option star at Georgia Southern, has not attempted an NFL pass.
"Probably like 50, 55 [yards], something like that," McKinnon, nicknamed Jet, said of his range. "I like to throw the deep ball. I've always been straight at that. The intermediate ones got to me in college."
Floyd return not close
Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd likely won't be traveling to his hometown of Philadelphia on Sunday. Floyd, the 2013 first-round pick, has not practiced since Sept. 9 and does not appear close to returning from his latest knee injury.
"I don't think so," Zimmer said Thursday, exactly four weeks after Floyd's latest surgery to clean up a cartilage issue. Sunday will mark Floyd's 10th missed game in the past three seasons.
Injury report
Guard Brandon Fusco cleared the concussion protocol, per Zimmer, and was a full participant at Thursday's practice.
Tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) is still being held out of practice. Four players are still limited in practice: receivers Stefon Diggs (groin), Jarius Wright (ankle), Laquon Treadwell (thumb) and tackle Jeremiah Sirles (knee).