Day@Camp: A daily dispatch from Mankato

Big-time connection

WR Billy McMullen came down with one of the better catches of camp, snaring a 40-yard Hail Mary pass from QB Brooks Bollinger during the morning session. The play was made possible when Bollinger scrambled toward the right sideline, away from DE Brian Robison. Eventually, LT Chase Johnson caught up to Robison and drilled him into the turf (never mind players were in shorts and shoulder pads). Robison had a few words for Johnson after the play.

Prime time

Wednesday was a big day for interceptions by the defense. In the morning practice, CB Dovonte Edwards jumped over WR Martin Nance to intercept a long pass from Tarvaris Jackson. Edwards had replaced CB Marcus McCauley (virus) in the nickel. S Mike Doss also intercepted a telegraphed Jackson pass. In the afternoon session, meanwhile, S Darren Sharper picked off QB Drew Henson twice. On the second, Sharper jumped high in the air, twisted and caught the ball with his back to the line of scrimmage.

Q|Q

QUARTERBACK QUANDARY

Snippets from the quarterback transition

Coach Brad Childress revealed he will play Jackson for the first quarter of Friday's preseason opener and Bollinger in the second quarter. Asked how he will judge each player's performance, Childress said: "Just command of the system, situational football. Know where they're going with it. In the pass game, get it out of your hand. Just the decision-making." It will also be interesting to see how each player reacts to being "live." Hitting quarterbacks is strictly prohibited during practice. Preseason games? Not so much.

INJURY REPORT

LB Jason Glenn (patella tendinitis): Left morning practice; day-to-day

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

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

CB Marcus McCauley (virus): Did not practice; day-to-day

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

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

CB Ronyell Whitaker (ankle sprain): Returned for the afternoon practice

CAMP CHATTER

"I hope it's not like Ebola or anything like that."

-- Childress in response to questions about a virus that kept McCauley out of both practices Wednesday