Vikings center John Sullivan, after missing all of last year because of a back injury, has an interesting perspective on the 2016 season.
"I have butterflies in my stomach knowing camp is a week away," he said. "I'm dreading going to Mankato — you just do that going to Mankato as a player — but I'm excited."
As for how his back will hold up this season, Sullivan said he's cautiously optimistic.
"I won't really know until I step out on the field next Friday," he said. "I think there was more [apprehension] going into OTAs. … There's not a lot of difference between an OTA practice with no shoulder pads on and going out there and hitting, especially on the interior because we're doing so much hand fighting. Guys are still getting their jerseys snatched. … My body held up great, everywhere. I made it through totally unscathed, and I feel really confident that I'm fully healed and ready to go."
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.