Taylor: Peterson's arrival no bother to him

In his first public comments since last month's NFL draft, veteran Chester Taylor expressed no concern about the fact the Vikings used the seventh overall selection on fellow running back Adrian Peterson.

By Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune

Last update: May 22, 2007 - 10:26 PM

"They said they were going to give me some help," Taylor said Tuesday following the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at Winter Park. "All they did was add depth to our running back crew; if I go down I'm confident that these guys will be able to take over and do the job."

Taylor, signed as a free agent in March 2006 to become the Vikings' top running back, established a franchise record for rushing attempts in a season with 303. His 345 touches were the third-highest total in Vikings history. But Taylor did experience fatigue late in the season and also missed a game because of bruised ribs.

Peterson's presence should help Taylor remain fresh. "It's always good to have a one-two punch," Taylor said. "So we can come in, spell each other and as long as it's efficient and working, just keep doing it."

Peterson made a good impression on Taylor when the two met for the first time Monday. "He's a nice guy," Taylor said. "He looks up to me as being a vet, and I'm going to help him through all the tough times. Whenever he gets stuck, I'll help him out."

Said Peterson: "He told me to go out there, compete and just work hard. To help improve yourself and help the team win anyway possible. That's what I plan on doing."

Taylor, meanwhile, said he feels fine physically and was able to resume heavy training in April after giving his body some time to heal. "I'm feeling really good right now," he said. "I'm just ready for the season to start."

Doss practices

Free-agent safety Mike Doss, whose season came to an end last October when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for Indianapolis, took part in Tuesday's activities. "He's done a good job with his rehab and he wants to get out there and vie for that position," Childress said.

Doss and Tank Williams worked with the second-team defense at the safety spots. Williams is returning after missing last season because of a fractured left kneecap suffered in training camp. Linebackers Chad Greenway and Jason Glenn, who were limited in 2006 because of torn anterior cruciate ligaments, also were back on the field. Of the four, only Glenn wore a knee brace.

Etc.

• Former Vikings quarterback Rich Gannon, who serves as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports and still lives in this area, is going to visit Winter Park to talk to the quarterbacks for a second consecutive year.

• Taylor has been excused from Friday's OTA session so he can attend a funeral.

• Rookie defensive tackle Joe Anoai was absent Tuesday for personal reasons.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com