Welcome back, Vikings

Associated Press photo

In just four days (Thursday), the Minnesota Vikings will report to Mankato and Minnesota State University for Training Camp for the 49th year in a row. Practice begins Friday at Blakeslee Stadium (the full training camp schedule can be found to the right).

The Free Free press published its preview on Sunday, with stories on a couple of the team's budding stars and another player with local ties hoping to make the team. There's also an overview of some of the many new faces we'll see this year.

Here are some links:

• Some intriguing new faces this year, starting with coach Mike Zimmer (pictured above) and his staff.

• Defensive end Brian Robison is the man on the D-line now with Jared Allen and Kevin Williams gone.

• Tight end Kyle Rudolph emerged last season but could be in line to really break out in Norv Turner's offense.

• Former Minnesota State wide receiver Adam Thielen made the practice squad as an undrafted free agent last year. Now he's looking to make the main roster.

Meanwhile, the Vikings have suspended special teams coach Mike Priefer three games following the investigation into Chris Kluwe's allegations of the coach's insensitive remarks about gays.