MINNESOTA VIKINGS What impact can Michael Floyd have on Vikings?

After serving out a four-game suspension, Michael Floyd has his first real opportunity at a clean slate with the Minnesota Vikings. Third chances don’t come around often in the NFL, but fortunately for Floyd, the phone rang after his short stint with the New England Patriots. The troubled wide receiver was released from the Arizona Cardinals last season after being arrested for a DUI. He then joined the Patriots and predominantly served as a healthy scratch during their Super Bowl run. He was able to make a few plays in his limited time on the field, but it was impossible for him to grasp the entire offense and develop the right chemistry with quarterback Tom Brady, given how late in the season he joined the team. However, things are different in Minnesota. He signed with the team in May, which means he has had plenty of time to study the playbook and work with Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford. Things are far less chaotic for the 27-year-old receiver entering his sixth NFL season. That’s a good thing for a team that already has a pair of talented young receivers in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. A large target such as Floyd, capable of making big plays on the outside, might be the key piece to finally put the Vikings offense over the top. “I’ve often thought the only person that can stop Michael Floyd is Michael Floyd,” Floyd’s high school wide receiver’s coach Jerry Macken told ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “It’s all in his court. If he dedicates himself like he has done at different times of his life, he can be as good as he wants to be.” Floyd averaged 16 yards or greater per reception and six touchdowns during his best years in Arizona. He even eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in 2013. Whether that player still exists remains to be seen. “You can tell he’s back to his normal self,” Floyd’s former high school teammate and friend Tommy Hannon said. “He has that look in his eye. Anytime he’s had to face adversity in college or whatever, he’s always done well.” Floyd has slid under the cracks as one of the Vikings’ best-kept secrets; a simple low-risk, high-reward signing that could end up being the team’s best in years. CHICAGO — The Vikings activated wide receiver Michael Floyd following a four-game NFL suspension, and he will play Monday night against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Vikings released running back Stevan Ridley, who signed with them last Thursday and participated in three practices. Floyd was suspended by the NFL after being convicted earlier this year following an arrest last December for extreme DUI. He played in each of Minnesota’s four preseason games before serving his suspension. Floyd, a St. Paul native and graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall High School, is a six-year veteran who signed last May with the Vikings (2-2). The Vikings will have just two running backs active against the Bears: starter Latavius Murray and backup Jerick McKinnon. But fullback C.J. Ham also could be used. The St. Paul Pioneer Press is a media partner with Forum News Service ports,Vikings, Football, NFL, minnesota