This is Jim Rueda reporting from Minnesota Vikings training camp after the team's first full morning practice Saturday at the MSU football practice fields.
The Vikings practiced in shorts and shoulder pads again and did some extensive special teams work for the first part of practice. Second-year wide receiver Percy Harvin, who was limited almost exclusively to kickoff returns on special teams last season, has done some live punt return work on the first two days of camp and has looked good doing so.
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevel said the team is always looking for ways to get the ball in Harvin's hands and punt returns might be one of them. Special teams coordinator Brian Murphy indicated Harvin spent some time fielding and returning punts during the offseason so the team wants to give him a long look there.
Harvin did leave the field early at the end of practice but no word yet on what his injury might be. Defensive back Benny Sapp had to leave the field with cramps with about 45 minutes left but should be fine for tonight's 7 p.m. practice inside Blakeslee Stadium.
Rookie running back Toby Gerhart got an unofficial welcome to the team by the defense during 11-on-11 "non-contact" drills. At the end of one short gain, Gerhart was knocked down hard by defensive tackle Pat Williams who just turned and walked away. Later, towards the end of practice, safety Jasper Brinkley knocked Gerhart down again on a passing play.
To his credit, Gerhart did not seem intimidated. On the very next play after the Williams hit, he caught a flare pass from Sage Rosenfels out of the backfield and continued up field through traffic.
The Vikings players will officially introduce themselves to the fans at tonight's 7 p.m. practice. The workout will be followed by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
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