EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Vikings are set to continue holding training camp in Mankato through 2011.

Steve LaCroix, the team's vice president of sales and marketing, said Friday the organization has extended its agreement with Minnesota State Mankato. The deal was to expire after 2009, but the additional years were added as part of the upgrades the university did to the practice fields this year as well as other renovations that have been completed. The field improvements reportedly cost $400,000, and the Vikings paid about one quarter of the money.

The Vikings, who completed their 42nd camp in Mankato on Wednesday, will continue to hold an option after each year. "We plan to continue our long-term partnership with the university," LaCroix said. LaCroix said he believes another change will come in 2009 when players and coaches will move into new dorms on campus. Players have been housed in Gage Center.

Ferguson's agent to gauge Vikings' interest

The Green Bay Packers might have released Robert Ferguson on Friday, but the receiver's agent would like to see his client stay in the NFC North.

"We definitely like the situation in Minnesota," said the agent, Brian Overstreet. "Obviously they run a similar offense, so Robert could step in and contribute early and be valuable."

Overstreet said he already had talked to Houston, Washington and Oakland but he probably would give the Vikings a call today.

Ferguson was a second-round pick of the Packers in 2003 and has battled various injuries during his career. Vikings coach Brad Childress didn't dismiss having interest in Ferguson but said his first move would be to talk to Vikings offensive coordinator and former Packers quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell about the veteran.

Ferguson's best season came in 2003, when he caught 38 passes for 520 yards and four touchdowns.

Farwell to appeal

Linebacker Heath Farwell said he plans to appeal the $7,500 fine the NFL handed down for a hit on St. Louis quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the Vikings' first preseason game. But first Farwell must see the paperwork from the league. Farwell said Friday he wasn't aware of the fine; it's likely he won't find out until he returns to Winter Park this weekend.

An NFL spokesman confirmed the action had been taken.

Farwell, who was fined because he hit Fitzpatrick in the chest area with his helmet, was assessed a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer. The Rams had been facing a second-and-13 from their own 30, but the call resulted in an automatic first down.

No Evans

Although Childress indicated earlier in the week that newly signed Fred Evans would play Friday against the Jets, the defensive tackle was among the team's five inactives. In fact, he wasn't even at Giants Stadium for the game.

On Thursday, Evans had reached a plea bargain agreement in Miami-Dade (Fla.) County Court, avoiding jail time and paying fines and court costs of $1,310 stemming from a June 23 arrest in Miami Beach.

"He just is filtering through the paperwork," Childress said. "It's taking a little bit longer than we had anticipated."

Also sitting out Friday were defensive end Erasmus James (knee), linebacker John Kerr (back); offensive lineman Adam O'Connor (knee); and defensive end Khreem Smith (knee/ankle).

Etc.

• Childress was limping as he walked off the field after the game. "I've got a little snag," he said, explaining that the problem began during the game. "Something is going on with my calf here. I don't know what it is. It's lucky it's me and not our players."

• Punter Alex Reyes handled the first-half kickoffs for the Vikings. Reyes, who was attractive because of his ability to also kick off, booted balls to the 6-, 11-, 11- and 6-yard line. That won't be enough to win a job.

• Cornerback Chad Johnson, who missed three days of practice last week because of a family issue, was back with the team and in uniform.

• Rookie receiver Aundrae Allison, who did not play in the first preseason game, returned kicks for the Vikings.

• Darrion Scott started at left defensive end; Kenechi Udeze, who Scott is competing with for the position, was in for the start of the next series.

• Captain Bryan Pillai, brother of Vikings personnel assistant Sid Pillai, was in attendance at Friday's game along with the rest of his unit from the 972nd Military Police Company. About 200 soldiers convoyed from Fort Dix, N.J., to the game.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com