Vikings free agent target exploring knee procedure

Oct 23, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Steve Breaston (15) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings have not shied away from drafting and signing free agents with injury concerns in the past.

Free agent wide receiver Steve Breaston, who is reportedly being targeted by the Vikings, is considering undergoing Regenokine treatment in Germany in an effort to repair knee inflammation and early arthritic symptoms, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

Breaston, 29, recently had a physical with the Steelers, but there is belief that Pittsburgh has concerns about his knee condition and would not consider more than a one-year deal with him.

This is the same treatment that revived the careers of Grant Hill, Kobe Bryant, Alex Rodriguez and others. Unfortunately the treatment didn’t have the same positive effect on Timberwolves shooting guard Brandon Roy, who still out with knee issues and is expected to retire after the season. Note: Roy’s condition is much more severe, as he has no more cartilage remaining in his knees.

Minnesota took a chance on free agent tight end John Carlson in 2012 on a five-year, $25 million deal, with $11 million in guarantees. Carlson had missed all of 2011 with an injury.

The team also drafted wide receiver Greg Childs last season in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, despite knowing about a significant knee injury in 2010 at Arkansas which lead to his stock being dropped. Childs suffered injuries to both his knees while at training camp and missed all his rookie season. He may miss this upcoming season as well.