Norv Turner: Right tackle not settled yet between Smith and Clemmings

Exactly one year ago today, the Vikings' search effectively began for a new right tackle.

The previous stalwart, Phil Loadholt, tore his left Achilles' tendon on the second snap of an Aug. 15, 2015 exhibition. It was the big man's second season-ending injury in as many years. It would prove to be the final straw as Loadholt announced his retirement last month following seven NFL seasons.

On Sunday, the Vikings returned from Cincinnati with a shake-up at right tackle. Last year's starter, T.J. Clemmings, was back with the first-team offense. That put the free agent-signed frontrunner, Andre Smith, with the backups.

The competition is ongoing, according to offensive coordinator Norv Turner, with fewer than four weeks before the opener in Tennessee.

"It's a long process," Turner said Monday. "I think it's very good competition right now. We don't have to make a decision right now, so that's good. Just get a chance to see them play in games against good players."

Smith, 29, looked to be the starter as he took more and more first-team reps throughout training camp. The former Bengals first-round pick signed a one-year deal this spring to compete with Loadholt, who retired just days before camp.

Prior to leaving Mankato last week, head coach Mike Zimmer said he was heading toward naming Smith the starter.

"I think both guys have had a lot of good plays and both guys have had negative plays," Turner said. "We're trying to become as consistent as we can at that position."

A 2015 fourth-round pick, Clemmings experienced growing pains through 17 starts as a rookie. He's an athletic and still-developing tackle who has been groomed to be a potential swing option for this upcoming season. He made the move to left tackle this spring and protected Shaun Hill's blindside throughout the first preseason game.

Throughout the summer, Clemmings has still gotten reps at right tackle. His emergence with the top group may have been the staff's way to light a fire under Smith or a sign of extended competition.