The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

August 10, 2007

Injured receiver returns to camp

Shane Frederick

MANKATO — Vikings receiver Billy McMullen finally hit the practice field Tuesday.

For the first time since training camp opened on July 27, McMullen was in shoulder pads and working with his teammates. He had been on the non-football injury list with a muscle strain since the Vikings reported to Minnesota State.

“It’s good to see his face back out there,” coach Brad Childress said.

Childress said it’s going to take McMullen some time to get into playing condition.

Last season, McMullen’s first in Minnesota, he had a career-high 23 catches and two touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, he is the tallest receiver on the team, along with rookie Sidney Rice, who also returned to the field after sitting out Monday with a hamstring problem.



Peterson watches

While McMullen and Rice returned, rookie running back Adrian Peterson was held out of practice and watched from the sidelines.

Peterson, who suffered a hip pointer last week, is day to day, Childress said, but is being “aggressive” with his treatment.



In and out

Ben Leber, who has missed significant time with a muscle strain in his calf, returned to the practice field.

Others not practicing Tuesday included receivers Aundrae Allison and Cortez Hankton, cornerback Ronyell Whitaker, running back Wendell Mathis, linebacker John Kerr and defensive end Khreem Smith.

Running back Mewelde Moore also continued to miss time with the birth of a child.

Defensie end Erasmus James is the only player remaining on the physically unable to perform list. “He’s close to being ready,” Childress said.



Just like everyone

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson won’t play any longer than the rest of the first-team offense during Friday’s preseason game.

Childress said he wants to see Jackson get into a rhythm with that unit more than he wants to give him extended playing time.

“You don’t want bad habits from him playing behind the third offensive line,” the coach said.



On guard

The unofficial depth chart the Vikings released Monday has Artis Hicks at the starting right guard. But Anthony Herrera has also been working with the first team there.

“I don’t think either one has a head up,” Childress said. “That’s why there’s competition there.”

Meanwhile, ninth-year veteran Jim Kleinsasser is listed as the No. 1 tight end, ahead of Visanthe Shiancoe.



Notes

The highlight play of the morning was a 50-yard bomb from Jackson to Troy Williamson. ... Former Gopher receiver Paris Hamilton, who was signed Monday, was wearing No. 17. ... Representatives of the Nike vision center, which worked with Williamson in the offseason, attended camp. Childress pointed them out as they walked off the field with Jackson.

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