The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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August 11, 2009

Receiver wants to return punts

Jaymar Johnson is in second season

By Chad Courrier

MANKATO — Jaymar Johnson knows that his ability to catch punts might allow him to make the Minnesota Vikings’ roster as a receiver. He also knows that by showing his skills as a receiver, that might enhance his chances of returning punts.

“I’m approaching this like I’m a football player, and I want to help the team in any way I can, offense or special teams,” he said.

Johnson, in his second training camp, spent last season on the practice squad. He worked out this summer with punter Chris Kluwe, fielding as many punts as Kluwe could provide.

This camp, it looks like he’s competing for the fifth receiver position with Darius Reynaud, and the winner of that battle might be determined by punt-returning skills.

“I’ll be mad if I can’t return punts,” he said. “If I have a 15-year career as a receiver, I’d still want to return punts.”

Special teams coach Brian Murphy said that Johnson, Reynaud and Percy Harvin will rotate as the returner for punts and kicks in Friday’s preseason opener at Indianapolis.

“I believe we have a bunch of quality guys,” he said. “I don’t know if the punt returner is really tied into any one position. I think it will be the guys who have that ability.”

New daddy


Last week, Johnson missed a day of practice to be with his wife, who gave birth to the couple’s first child. He was back at Minnesota State the next day, and the baby, named Jaymar, Jr., is home in Eden Prairie with his mother and grandmother.

On Sunday, Johnson was able to take advantage of the day off to return home.

“As soon as I walked in the door, he was smiling at me,” Johnson said.

Mum on lineup


Coach Brad Childress let it be known Tuesday that he’s not ready to divulge much about the starting lineup for Friday.

“Guys are going to play until I’ve seen enough,” Childress said. “I think we’ve communicated to them what we need to see.”

Rookie show


The annual rookie talent show will be held Wednesday night to celebrate the final day of training camp, and Harvin has been watching film of the last couple to see what he might do.

“If I don’t do a good job, this is one time when the coaches let you be hazed,” he said.

Harvin said that Reynaud did pretty good impressions of Childress and other coaches at last year’s show, and Childress agreed.

“I’m sure I’ll be parodied in some way or form,” Childress said. “I look forward to it.”

Bike auction

There will be a silent auction held Wednesday at training camp for 20 autographed bicycles that the players have been using during training camp, and the proceeds will benefit the Vikings Children’s Fund. The Vikings will also donate one bike to a Mankato area person in need for every bike purchased at the auction.

The bikes have a retail value of $350, and the minimum bid will be $300.

Peterson ready


Running back Adrian Peterson is ready to face the Colts, though it seems like he just arrived at Mankato.

“When I came to camp, it was like `Oh, Lord,’ it’s training camp,” he said. “Now, it’s (almost) Friday. It’s coming around so fast.”

Practice notes


Left guard Steve Hutchinson watched practice from the sideline. On Monday, he was injured in a pileup after a running play, but Childress said it wasn’t anything serious and Hutchinson was on the field for afternoon practice. Artis Hicks replaced Hutchinson with the first offensive line during morning practice. ... Fullback Naufahu Tahi was on the field but didn’t participate in practice in the morning practice after suffering an ankle injury Monday. Taji also returned in the afternoon. ... Tight end Garrett Mills fell to the ground after stretching out to make a tough catch. He walked off the field with a trainer, favoring his left shoulder.

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