REPORT DATE: July 26th
SITE: Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
CAMP OBJECTIVES: There will be a few storylines worth following when the Vikings head to Mankato with designs on improving off a dismal 3-13 season in 2011. The biggest one involves Adrian Peterson and the standout running back's continued recovery from a torn ACL sustained last December. Though the team is optimistic that the four-time All-Pro be ready to go for the season opener, he'll still be brought along slowly and likely held out of early practices. Disgruntled wide receiver Percy Harvin is expected to report on time despite briefly walking out of minicamp in protest over his contract and playing time, but there's a chance heralded rookie offensive tackle Matt Kalil's arrival could be delayed due to a holdup of his deal. When the No. 4 overall pick does get signed, he'll slot in on the left side of a revamped front line that will have last year's regular left tackle, Charlie Johnson, kick inside to guard and a preseason battle between free-agent signee Geoff Schwartz and rising second-year man Brandon Fusco at right guard. The secondary will see some reshuffling as well, with high 2012 draft choice Harrison Smith ticketed for one safety post and his former Notre Dame teammate, Robert Blanton (5th Round), competing with Mistral Raymond, a five-game starter as a rookie last year, for the other starting job. With No. 2 receiver Jerome Simpson to start the regular season with a three-game suspension, veteran Michael Jenkins and fourth-round selection Greg Childs (Arkansas) can state their case to be the emergency fill-in with a good camp.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
Aug. 10 - at San Francisco, 9 p.m. Aug. 17 - vs. Buffalo, 8 p.m. Aug. 24 - vs. San Diego, 8 p.m. Aug. 30 - at Houston, 7 p.m.
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