Turner sees positives in Bridgewater

While it may look like rookie Teddy Bridgewater was struggled recently in practice, Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner said it's a matter of perspective.

He said that he is throwing a lot of stuff at Bridgewater to see how he reacts, trying to figure out what he does well and what needs work. Turner said that Matt Cassell and Bridgewater have each thrown about 150 passes in competitive drills, and both has thrown only three interceptions: one because of bad decision, one because of a receiver error and one because of a good play by the defense.

"I think (Bridgewater) is playing at an awfully high level," Turner said.

While not saying it, Turner made it sound as though Cassell will start Friday's preseason game against Oakland, though Bridgewater will get some time with the first team.

"Just manage the game," Turner said. "He doesn't have to be sensational, just make good decisions."

Turner wouldn't say if running back Adrian Peterson would play, only that he was "practicing at a high level." Turner said that would give him extra time to look at backups Matt Asiata and rookie Jerick McKinnon.

Asiata is more of a pounding runner, while McKinnon is more shifty, especially in the open field. "I can see us using both of those guys because they do different things."

Turner said he's eager to see who performs well in the preseason game, which he said would be played to win. He said it's like going out to the two night practices in front of a large crowd, where the intensity is always higher than a normal practice.

"In a game, the tempo goes way up," he said. "Guys have an opportunity to react to that or they struggle with it."

Defensive coordinator George Edwards said that having Chris Crocker in the mix at safety has been a nice addition. Crocker signed Monday and practiced that afternoon. Though he's been here only two days, he's worked in coach Mike Zimmer's defense for the last seven years. Edwards said he coached Crocker in Cleveland when Crocker in 2004.

"He's then ultimate pro, as far as preparation," Edwards said. "He has a long history with coach Zimmer. You know what you're going to get from him every day."

Robert Blanton was working with the No. 1 defense at that safety spot until he suffered a hamstring injury. Jamarca Sanford, Mistral Raymond, Kurt Coleman and Dante Exum have rotated in that spot since.

"That's going to play itself out during the preseason," Edwards said. "We just have to keep pressing forward."

Edwards said that Jasper Brinkley will likely start at middle linebacker, but Audie Cole has been practicing there the last couple of days and will get some time Friday.