Tempers flare on training camp's final day

This is Chad Courrier, reporting from Minnesota Vikings practice for the second-to-last time.

Tempers flared during Thursday's morning practice, with Ray Edwards instigating quite a scrap. During a full-team, no-tackle practice, Edwards gave a shot to rookie running back Toby Gerhart, knocking him to the turf after the whistle.

Tackle Phil Loadholt then stood up for the rookie, shoving Edwards. Running backs coach Eric Bienemy came around the pile, shouting at Edwards.

Soon, defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier entered the fray, and he got tangled with Edwards. Finally, Jared Allen stepped in front of Frazier, trying to calm him down.

After practice, Edwards said he intentionally knocked down Gerhart.

"(Frazier) got mad at Jared and me," Edwards said. "It's not the first time I've seen him that mad."

Edwards said he was impressed that Gerhart responded to Edwards' cheap shot. "I give him credit for getting up and going back to work."

As for other news, U.S. Sen. Al Franken visited practice, saying he was a "big fan" of the team, and he was excited for the upcoming season.

Chris Mortenson attended practice as part of ESPN's training-camp bus tour.

Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe returned to practice after missing a couple of days with an undisclosed injury. He took part in individual drills, then left the field for about 40 minutes before returning.

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson also left practice for about 15 minutes with trainers but returned without any apparent problem.

Receiver Jaymar Johnson was injured after making a long catch, and receiver Greg Lewis seemed to be having issues with the heat.

On Tuesday, safety Tyrell Johnson talked abut how he needed to get more interceptions this season. He made a nice play Thursday, running stride for stride with Bernard Berrian and making an interception on the 50-yard pass.

The entire team finished the morning practice by signing autographs for the fans.

Coach Brad Childress said that the starting offense and defense would likely only play one series in Saturday's preseason opener at St. Louis. He said that second- and third-teamers would all likely see action before halftime.