After great start, Harvin out for season

The Minnesota Vikings placed ailing wide receiver Percy Harvin on injured reserve Wednesday, abruptly ending a season that began so well for one of the NFL’s most versatile players.

Coach Leslie Frazier answered questions about Harvin’s status cryptically and vaguely at his regular news conference, when he ruled Harvin out of practice again because of the severely sprained ankle that has kept him out of the last three games. Then about six hours later, the Vikings announced the move that declared their top pass-catcher done for the year.

During an outstanding first half that put him in the conversation for the league’s Most Valuable Player award, Harvin’s season sure deteriorated quickly.

He was hurt one month ago. Now this.

Quick kicks

Arizona’s John Skelton will be back at starting quarterback when the Cardinals (4-8) play the Seahawks (7-5) on Sunday in Seattle. … Ravens (9-3) LB Terrell Sug gs hopes a torn right biceps won’t keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Redskins (6-6). He says his status won’t be determined for sure until late in the week. … Injured Ravens LB Ray Lewis returned to practice – the latest step in his attempt to come back from a tore right triceps. … RB Ryan Grant is back with the Packers (8-4). The veteran was signed to add depth to Green Bay’s banged up running backs. Grant is fifth on Green Bay’s all-time rushing list, running for 4,016 yards and 25 touchdowns from 2007-11. … Charles Woodson was back at practice on a limited basis, and Packers coach Mike McCarthy says the defensive back’s return from a broken collarbone is “getting close.” … The Chargers (4-8) have placed LB Antwan Barnes on injured reserve.