Vikings' Rhodes doesn't believe knockout blow to Sendejo was dirty hit

As Vikings trainers raced to check on Sendejo, defensive tackle Linval Joseph restrained Rhodes from going after Thomas. On the next play, Rhodes gave up a 14-yard touchdown to Thomas, which started New Orleans' comeback from a 17-0 halftime deficit. On the sideline after the drive, cornerback Terrance Newman and coach Mike Zimmer also tried to pacify Rhodes.

"It changed the momentum," Rhodes said Sunday. "As a defense we need to come together after stuff like that. Me personally, I just have to let it go. I could not let go."

On Monday, Rhodes had a different view of the big hit that knocked Sendejo out of the game.

"I mean, it wasn't a dirty hit watching it on film," Rhodes said. "(Thomas) was running his route and he just braced his hit on 'Dejo. At that moment, I thought it was dirty, but as I looked at it on film, it wasn't dirty at all."

Sendejo, who made a leaping interception of Drew Brees in the first half, entered the concussion protocol and his status is uncertain as the Vikings prepare to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game at 5:40 p.m. Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

But the Vikings gave encouraging signs that Sendejo could play with a Super Bowl berth on the line.

"He's doing a lot better," Zimmer said Monday. "He was actually the first one to greet me in the locker room after the game."

Zimmer said it was hard to determine if Thomas was trying to set a pick on Sendejo or if the helmet-to-helmet hit was inadvertent.

"I don't know the intent of it," Zimmer said. "We will probably turn it into the league and see what they say."

Rhodes also was optimistic that Sendejo, the Vikings' fourth-leading tackler (80), won't have to miss a fourth game this season due to injuries or a suspension.

"I think he's going to be alright," said Rhodes, who saw Sendejo at Winter Park on Monday. "... He was just being 'Dejo."

If Sendejo can't play, backup safety Anthony Harris will step in like he did against the Saints as well as in three starts for Sendejo during the regular season. Harris had three tackles Sunday, including a combined stop with Brian Robison on a crucial play late in the game.

The Saints were driving into field goal range with 33 seconds left. Zimmer had called timeouts to buys some time for a potential last-second drive for the Vikings. On third and one, with a Saints' first down having the potential to drain the clock, Harris and Brian Robison stuffed running back Alvin Kamara for a loss of one yard.

"The play was there for me to make, so I just tried to get in on the tackle and a couple of other guys got in," Harris said. "We were able to force them to kick a field goal and there was enough time where we could go down and make something happen."

Did they ever. Vikings quarterback Case Keenum connected with receiver Stefon Diggs on a stunning 61-yard touchdown as time expired.

Harris, a third-year player from Virginia who has played in all 17 games this year, said he will be ready if called upon for the NFL's top-ranked defense, which has avoided major injury issues this season.

"Obviously, checking to make sure that (Sendejo's) OK," Harris said. "But as far as decision as far as games, we are not talking about that right now. ... I think everybody here is just going to do the extra studying and prepare yourself for no matter what comes."

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