EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen missed practice Thursday after the sudden death of his mother.

Coach Leslie Frazier says Eden Prairie police arrived at the team's headquarters Wednesday to deliver the news to Griffen. No details of her death were immediately available.

Frazier and several Vikings players went to Griffen's house Wednesday night to be there for him. Frazier says Griffen will be given all the time he needs to grieve and make funeral arrangements, and it was not known when he might return to the team.

Griffen is a key player for the Vikings on special teams and has become a valued and versatile backup on the defensive line and at linebacker.

Minnesota plays at Washington on Sunday.