At the stroke of 4, let the practice begin

It's been an odd offseason in the NFL, and the first three days of training camp were unusual, with the limited activity and all the players with new contracts standing on the sidelines, only allowed to watch.

But Thursday was the day when the entire team could practice ... if the collective bargaining agreement was ratified by the players. The Vikings switched practice times so that the main, 2 1/2-hour workout would be conducted in the afternoon, after the CBA was approved.

But players voted 'til 3 p.m., then took the field as the results were forwarded to union leaders. By 4 p.m., the CBA was ratified, and all players were eligible for practice, signaled by Donovan McNabb's first pass to one of the assistant coaches, which was met by cheers from the biggest crowd so far at camp..

"It felt good to have our whole team together," coach Leslie Frazier said. "It was a good, spirited practice. It was a good start for our football team."

McNabb was the center of attention. His first pass in a team drill was a long touchdown to Bernard Berrian. His next throw was intercepted by Jamarca Sanford.

"Made a lot of big plays today, but also plays we wanted back and to get changed," McNabb said. "That's what film is for. It's a good start for us."

McNabb, Berrian and Jenkins had been working out Monday and Tuesday at Mankato West's Todnem Field, trying to build some chemistry.

"The fact that Donovan took the lead in that is a good sign for our football team," Frazier said.

There were a couple of things to be learned from the first full-squad practice. Free agent Charlie Johnson took over at left tackle, replacing Bryant McKinnie, and second-year Chris DeGeare was at right guard, with Anthony Herrera sidelined as he rehabs from knee surgery. Veteran Ryan Cook was signed Wednesday as competition for the right-guard position.

Frazier said that Phil Loadholt will remain at right tackle and not be tested at left tackle. "We think he can be an outstanding right tackle in our league," he said. "We don't want to weaken that position.

Running back Adrian Peterson was flying back to Minneapolis Thursday and should be at practice Friday, Frazier said. He's been gone as his fiancee gave birth to the couple's son.