Husain

Abdullah

Abdullah was having a solid season in 2011 before his second concussion in four years sent him to injured reserve in Week 13. He has been cleared to resume playing, however. The Vikings are thin at safety behind Jamarca Sanford.

Abdullah has reportedly been mulling over an offer from the Vikings for, at least, a few days now. ESPN 1500 Twin Cities’ Tom Pelissero suggests that Abdullah has a much better chance of returning than Henderson, as the Vikings are looking to rebuild the middle of their defense this offseason.

Abdullah briefly considered retirement before gaining medical clearance in late January. He’s still weighing his options after receiving an offer from the Vikings a month ago.

Abdullah had the best season of his career in 2011 and is only 26, but he’s been concussed four times over the past two seasons. “If the doctor comes and tells me something I don’t want to hear,” said Abdullah, “then definitely I’ve got to start putting the family first.” The Vikings offered Abdullah an extension offer earlier in the year, but tabled it after he went on I.R.

It’s Abdullah’s second concussion since Week 6, meaning he’ll likely miss some time. And with top corner Antoine Winfield also going down Monday, this Vikings’ secondary is a mess. Carson Palmer and the Raiders’ passing game will have a plus matchup Sunday.

Abdullah hadn’t practiced since sustaining a concussion two weeks ago. The I.R. move suggests he’s still dealing with symptoms. It’s poor timing for an impending free agent who reportedly turned down an extension early in the season. Prior to the concussion, both parties wanted him back in Minnesota for 2012.

Although Abdullah allowed touchdowns in three consecutive games at one point this season, beat writer Tom Pelissero notes that he’s “highly regarded within the building.” The two-year starter turned down the Vikings’ original offer, but he likes coach Leslie Frazier and wants to stay in Minnesota.

Abdullah had contemplated retirement after landing on injured reserve in late November due to his fourth concussion in two years. Specialists assured him the latest concussion was not “career-burdening.” Coming off his best season at age 26, Abdullah has expressed interest in returning to Minnesota.

Abdullah’s brother Hamza, a free agent defensive back, is also making a pilgrimage to Mecca during the 2012 season. According to ESPN 1500 Twin Cities, Abdullah turned down a contract extension last season in part because his Muslim beliefs prevented him drawing attention to himself. He told Vikings officials months ago that he was considering retirement after battling concussion issues the past couple of seasons. The brothers do intend to continue their NFL careers after Ramadan.

Abdullah, and his brother Hamza, walked away from the NFL last summer to pursue religious obligations. Husain was also considering hanging up his cleats due to concussion problems. The 27-year-old had an extension with the Vikings lined up, but his religious beliefs forced him to turn it down.