Jim Rueda reporting after the delayed morning practice from Vikings training camp. Despite the early showers, the Vikes were back on the practice fields at 10:30 a.m. for a two-plus hour session.

The team still has a number of starters, particularly skill players, not participating due to injuries or excused absences. Head coach Brad Childress admitted afterward that it slows down the progress of those players.

The coach said the mother hen in him would like to have all the players at every practice healthy and participating. At the same team, he realizes the main goal is to make sure they are available for the regular-season opener on Sept. 9. It's not in anyone's best interest to push players too hard or too long in the first week of August if it's going to prevent them from being ready in Week 1.

Running back Adrian Peterson (muscle tightness) and corner back Benny Sapp were both suited up Saturday morning but both were limited in their snaps. Wide receiver Percy Harvin remains excused due to the death of his grandmother. Childress said he expects Harvin back within the next few days.

Running back Darius Reynaud, fullback Naufahu Tahi, linebacker J Lehman and center John Sulllivan were all present but inactive during the morning session. The same goes for PUP listers Sidney Rice and Cedric Griffin. Offensive guard Anthony Herrera left practice early with what Childress later said was most likely back spasms.

Brett Favre, of course, was still absent. Unless you count the sighting at Barnes & Noble or the one at Taco John's. Who knows, maybe he'll show up at RibFest tonight.

The morning delay will not affect the starting time for this evening's practice. The team is still scheduled to begin a two-hour session at 5 p.m.