Final week of camp begins Monday

There are just four days of training camp remaining, with full practices in the morning and walk-throughs in the afternoon.

There's a few things to look for over the next week:

Quarterback Donovan McNabb has looked OK but needs to get more comfortable in the system. The receiving corps is nondescript, and every defense is going to focus on Adrian Peterson, so there's more pressure on the QB.

The offensive line is a work in progress, needing serious time to play together. Right guard Anthony Herrera will probably remain on the physically-unable-to-perform list for a couple more weeks, but the other four starters -- tackles Charlie Johnson and Phil Loadholt, guard Steve Hutchinson and center John Sullivan -- aren't likely to change. They will have to play better for this team to succeed.

The defensive secondary also has some moving parts. Cornerback Antoine Winfield is a given, and Cedric Griffin won't likely play in the first two or three preseason games. Chris Cook was the third cornerback on Saturday and will probably start in the preseason opener at Tennessee, but Asher Allen remains in the mix.

At safety, Hussain Abdullah seems cemented at one position, while Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson are competing at the other. Sanford has made the most noticeable plays so far at training camp.

See you at early practice Monday.

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.

The Vikings are here, the Vikings are here!

Donovan McNabb signs autographs (John Cross photo)

The Minnesota Vikings arrived at Minnesota State's Gage Hall on Sunday, greeted by about 30 fans, most of which looked like the folks who were there last year and the year before that and the year before that.

Head coach Leslie Frazier addressed the media and had a few tidbits:

He called second-year quarterback Joe Webb "the incumbent," meaning that Webb will run with the first-tea offense at Monday's first practice. Newly acquired Dononvan McNabb isn't allowed to practice until Thursday, and rookie Christian Ponder will have to earn reps with the starters.

Negotiations are ongoing with linebacker Chad Greenway on a long-term contract. The Vikings locked up Greenway by using the franchise tag, but Greenway's one-year, $10 million hit on the salary cap would be eased by a multi-year deal. Frazier said that talks are not active with running back Adrian Peterson, who is entering the final year of his contract.

All of the Vikings draft choices were singed by Sunday and reported to Mankato.

Linebacker Ben Leber and defensive tackle Pat Williams, both free agents, could return to the team, though Frazier said nothing is imminent.

Cornerback Cedric Griffin will not be placed on the physically unable to perform list, but he won't take part in 100 percent of the practices. Guard Anthony Herrera may start on the PUP as he rehabs from knee surgery.

Even though he can't practice right away, McNabb arrived on Sunday, eager to start camp. He said he wasn't sure where he'd end up this season and was grateful to be acquired by a veteran team with a chance to win.

The veteran will likely be the starter hen he begins to practice, and he's aware of the expectations that he'll mentor the young quarterbacks on the roster. But he also said he wants to play and win.

See John Cross' photo gallery of the Vikings arrival here.

The blog is back!

With the Vikings set to return to Mankato for the 46th consecutive year, The Free Press will once again be blogging from training camp. You can see the schedule for this year's camp at right or click here for a PDF version. Players are expected to report to Minnesota State University on Sunday with the team's first practice set for 3 p.m. on Monday.

Of course, camp will begin with the buzz that the Vikings have traded for former Eagles and Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb (pictured). McNabb will be the bridge between the Brett Favre and Christian Ponder eras in Minnesota.

Add to that the fact that this will be Leslie Frazier's first training camp as head coach (the team's fourth head coach in 11 training camps) and the mad scramble of free agency gains and losses since the NFL lockout was lifted earlier this week, and it should be a very interesting 12 days in Mankato.

Be sure to check out Sunday's Free Press for a Training Camp primer.

Can't wait that long, check out our latest podcast, featuring staff writers Tanner Kent and Shane Frederick talking Purple.

—Shane Frederick