Competition begins at Vikings camp

Monday's first practice was a glorified walk-through, but on Tuesday, though still in shorts and T-shirts, the Minnesota Vikings held some competitions during 7-on-7 and team drills.

"If that's any indication of where we're going to be when we leave training camp, we're headed in the right direction," coach Leslie Frazier said.

Among the highlights of Tuesday's practice was a deep ball from quarterback Christian Ponder to Jaymar Johnson. Joe Webb, who threw a few high balls, finally connected on a deep pass with Perc y Harvin, who made a diving catch.

"All three (quarterbacks) did a lot of good things today," Frazier said. "It was encouraging to see that they've really improved. Hopefully, they keep getting better."

Defensively, safety Jamarca Sanford made an interception off a deflected pass, and linebacker Jasper Brinkley scooped up a fumbled exchange in the backfield and would have scored a touchdown on the play.

In Frazier's post-practice press conference, he said that when Thursday comes, and all the newly signed players can begin practice, there will be no easing-in period.

"They'll be thrown right in the mix," he said. "That's what they're here to do."

Donavan McNabb is expected to take the No. 1 spot at quarterback, and Frazier said that Remi Ayodele, who was signed as a free agent from New Orleans, will be te starting nose guard. Erin Henderson will get the first shot at the weakside linebeacker spot, replacing Ben Leber.

Running back Adrian Peterson left camp Monday to be with his fiance as she gave birth to their child. Frazier said he hadn't heard if the baby was born yet, and he expected Peterson to return in a couple of days.

Percy Harvin took a lot of reps in the kick return, with Lorenzo Booker and Cord Parks also getting a chance. Jaymar Johnson will join that group in punt returns.

Check out Tuesday's print edition for more on the Vikings, including a look at defensive end Brian Robison, who has a new contract and a chance to be the starter with Ray Edwards having left for Atlanta as a free agent.