Day@Camp: A daily dispatch from Mankato, July 27

Tempers flare in first practice

Running backs and linebackers had a feisty morning that included a chippy blitz/pass protection drill Friday. Linebackers were dominating the drill until running backs coach Eric Bieniemy challenged RB Chester Taylor to step it up a notch. Taylor aggressively blocked LB Vinny Ciurciu, causing both players to administer extra shoves at the end. The same happened with RB Mewelde Moore and LB Jason Glenn.

Block of the day

Friday's attendance was moderate in the morning and light in the afternoon, but fans got their fill of hits during the full-pads morning practice. Jeff Dugan, who works both as a tight end and a fullback during practice, drove DE Jayme Mitchell in the air and then planted him on his back during a morning drill. The block drew a hearty "ohhhhh" from the crowd.

QUARTERBACK QUANDARY: Snippets from the quarterback transition

To no one's surprise, Tarvaris Jackson got nearly all of the first-team repetitions on Day 1 of training camp. Jackson had a solid morning, completing some tough passes to WR Troy Williamson, but fumbled several snaps in the afternoon. "I just look at it like I have to go out and prove myself," he said. "Prove I can lead this team to victory week in and week out."

Meanwhile, coach Brad Childress said at some point he will have an assistant record audio of each quarterback -- Jackson, Brooks Bollinger, Drew Henson and Tyler Thigpen -- calling the play in the huddle and communicating on the line of scrimmage. This will help coaches evaluate the command they have of the offense while under duress.

INJURY REPORT

DE Erasmus James (knee): on physically unable to perform list

LT Bryant McKinnie (hamstring): on non-football injury list; day-to-day.

WR Billy McMullen (strained calf): on NFI list. day-to-day.

CAMP CHATTER

"I'm just happy to be here in the great state of Minnesota."

— TE Jim Kleinsasser, whose status with the organization was uncertain during the offseason while the Vikings renegotiated his contract. Kleinsasser now appears to have a role among the team's top tight ends, along with young newcomer Visanthe Shiancoe.

SCHEDULE: Three days out

Today: 9-11:15 a.m., 3-5 p.m.

Sunday: 3-5 p.m.

Monday: 9-11:15 a.m., 3-5 p.m.