Peterson starts training camp on PUP

Pat Christman/The Free Press

Running back Adrian Peterson was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list as he continues to rehab his knee, which means he can't participate in team drills.
He will work with trainers on an adjacent field, and coach Leslie Frazier said that Peterson will be evaluated daily to determine when he can join practice.
Peterson said Thursday that he would prefer to stay off PUP and participate fully, and he discussed that with Frazier.
"He put up a fight," Frazier said. "He said `don't hold me back.' He wants to get out there, but we have to be smart."
Tight end Mickey Shuler (heel) and receiver Stephen Burton (toe) both are on the non-football injury list, which means they will also practice individually. Frazier said he expects both to be back soon.
Percy Harvin spoke at camp and said that all the offseason issues, which reportedly included a trade request and other problems with management and coaches, were resolved.
"I'm at camp, I'm happy," he said. "I'm on board and ready to go out here and start practicing."
Defensive end Jared Allen said that not having to deal with lofty expectations, it might be easier for the Vikings to focus on the upcoming season.
"I think this is the first year where they're are no real expectations going into camp," Allen said. "Our expectations are the same, an NFC North title and get to the Super Bowl. But we were 3-13 last year, and we have a completely new team."

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