Moore says he's up for challenge

Two years after leading the Vikings in rushing, Mewelde Moore couldn't be faulted for wondering just how he is going to fit into a backfield that will feature 2006 workhorse Chester Taylor and first-round round pick Adrian Peterson. Moore, however, doesn't seem concerned.

"If you don't want to compete, you don't come out here and challenge yourself, then this wouldn't be the job [for you]," he said Thursday following the Vikings' third day of organized team activities (OTAs). "But as far as I'm concerned, I enjoy playing football. I love competing and I love going out there and doing everything I can do to get our team in the best situation. It's really important for me to do everything I can to help this team out and do what I can do."

Moore's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield gives him value -- he was second on the team with 46 receptions in 2006 -- and he also was the Vikings' primary punt return man last season.

"I think it's still too early to say what every guy is going to do, where he is going to fit in really at any position," offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said when asked about Moore's role. "We have great competition going on. We're trying to bring as much competition to each position as we can and then we'll let the chips fall a lot longer than just today."

Moore said he hasn't talked to the coaching staff about his situation and doesn't plan to make it an issue.

"I don't even ask those type of questions," he said. "Some people may sit there and have their little thing about this, that and the other, but that isn't me. We all compete, we all put our pants on the same way, we all go out here and play the game hard and give it all we've got."

Stepping back in

Dovonte Edwards, who missed last season after suffering a broken arm in the Vikings' exhibition finale, has been working with the first-team defense at left cornerback. That makes him the current replacement for the disgruntled Antoine Winfield, who is skipping this round of OTAs for reasons he hasn't publicly discussed.

"It's a good thing [to be with the first team] but I'm just holding it over until 'Toine gets back," said Edwards, who likely will compete for a spot in the Vikings' nickel package.

Etc.

• Rain forced the Vikings to hold Thursday's workout in their indoor practice facility after being outside the first two days. This round of OTAs will conclude today. Players return to Winter Park next Friday for the beginning of a three-day mandatory minicamp.

• Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson was on the field Thursday after missing the first two days of OTAs so he could attend a charity golf outing. Defensive end Darrion Scott and safety Darren Sharper were excused from the workout. Scott was attending to a personal matter. Sharper will miss the final two days so he can serve as the analyst on an NFL Europa game between Berlin and Hamburg. Sharper actually will call the game from the NFL Films studios in Mt. Laurel, N.J.

• Running back Taylor and linebacker Jason Glenn have been excused from today's workout. Taylor will be attending a funeral and Glenn has been excused for personal reasons.

• The Vikings are close to an agreement with receiver Chandler Williams, who was taken in the seventh round of this year's draft. A deal could be announced today.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com