Day@Camp: Aug. 7

New face in the backfield

At the beginning of most practices, the defense does a pursuit drill. A running back sprints down one of the sidelines, and all 11 defenders have to chase him until they get in a tackling position. Tuesday morning, that "running back" was none other than coach Brad Childress, once quarterback at Marmion (Ill.) Military Academy. Childress made it about 10 yards before losing his trademark floppy hat, and then another 10 yards before a defender knocked the ball from his hands. "Bad ball security," Childress said, "and bad hat security."

Easing up

After a full-pads morning practice that lasted 2 hours, 15 minutes, the Vikings took a lighter approach to the afternoon practice. Players wore shorts and baseball hats, practicing at about half-speed for 75 minutes as they begin their lead-in to Friday's preseason opener vs. St. Louis. They have a similar schedule today and will take part in a "mock game" Thursday.

Q|Q

QUARTERBACK QUANDARY

Snippets from the quarterback transition

QB Tarvaris Jackson connected with WR Troy Williamson on a deep pass down the left sideline Wednesday morning, notable mostly for its rarity during training camp. Jackson's downfield accuracy has been lacking as he learns the offense, and most of his best throws have been dropped. Childress did not disagree with that sentiment. "I feel like he is throwing it down the field a good ways with a good trajectory," Childress said. "But I don't feel like we are laying it down close enough for the receiver to make a play on the football. I think we need improvement there."

INJURY REPORT

WR Aundrae Allison (hamstring): did not practice; day-to-day

WR Cortez Hankton (soreness): did not practice; day-to-day

LB John Kerr (soreness): did not practice; day-to-day

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

RB Wendell Mathis (muscle strain): did not practice; day-to-day

RB Adrian Peterson (hip pointer): did not practice, day-to-day.

DE Khreem Smith (knee/ankle): did not practice; day-to-day

CB Ronyell Whitaker (ankle sprain): did not practice; day-to-day

CAMP CHATTER

"Get in the briar patch!"

-- Receivers coach George Stewart to rookie Chandler Williams during team drills. Still working on a translation.