After meeting with his family Sunday afternoon, the Vikings have cleared running back Adrian Peterson to participate in their rookie minicamp starting Friday.
Peterson, the No. 7 overall pick, is recovering from a fractured right collarbone that he said is about 90 percent healed. Surgery remains an option, but for now the Vikings do not appear convinced it is necessary.
"Really, there have been no changes," coach Brad Childress said. Asked if Peterson would participate in minicamp, Childress said: "Yeah."
The injury ballooned into a national story last week when Peterson acknowledged he had reinjured it Jan. 1 in the Fiesta Bowl. Surgery, if needed, would jeopardize Peterson's availability for training camp and the start of the season.
Peterson and his parents met Sunday with athletic trainer Eric Sugarman. Peterson might undergo further tests later this week, but it appears the Vikings want to monitor the healing process for a longer time period before making a final determination.
Asked if there is any scenario where he might undergo surgery, Peterson said: "Everything is going good right now. I am looking forward to being ready. ... By the time the season starts, everything will be perfectly fine. I will be ready. There are no worries in my mind."
Punter among free agents
The Vikings agreed to terms with 16 rookie free agents Sunday, vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said, but will not release the names until each player signs his contract.
However, two players who were known to have agreed with the Vikings are Texas Tech punter Alex Reyes and Colorado offensive lineman Brian Daniels. Reyes was considered the top undrafted punter and will challenge incumbent Chris Kluwe in training camp.
Reyes averaged 45.2 yards per punt last season for the Red Raiders.
In addition to 16 free agents, the Vikings also plan to bring in another 15 to 20 players to Winter Park for tryouts during this weekend's minicamp. According to Spielman, the Vikings want a total of about 45 players for the four-practice event so they can go two-deep at every position.
Head start
The Vikings picked up three additional draft choices, including a third-round pick in 2008, through an unusual trade Sunday with Denver.
The Broncos wanted the second of the Vikings' fourth-round picks, the No. 121 overall spot, so they could select Florida defensive tackle Marcus Thomas. But Denver did not have a fourth-round or fifth-round pick to exchange, so they offered their sixth- and seventh-round picks this year and the third-rounder in 2008.
Changes afoot?
Spielman's late arrival to the Vikings last year precluded any significant changes to the structure of the personnel department. Although no major changes are expected, the next 30 days would be the timeframe for any adjustments.
One possibility is hiring a director of pro scouting, a position that has been vacant for several years. The Vikings currently have four pro scouts who could be candidates for the position: Paul Wiggin, Jeff Robinson, Frank Acevedo and Ryan Monnens.
Scott Studwell, director of college scouting, signed a three-year contract extension before Spielman was hired.
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