Recovering Doss joins Vikings as free agent

The Vikings took a flyer Wednesday on a once- productive player who could provide valuable depth this season. Safety Mike Doss, who is rehabilitating a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, signed a one-year contract worth $1 million in hopes he will be ready to practice by training camp.

Doss, 26, was Indianapolis' second-round draft pick in 2003 and has started 42 games. He suffered the injury Oct. 22 against Washington, however, and has not played since.

Doss said Wednesday the knee feels "pretty good" and added: "I'll be ready to roll in training camp." To demonstrate his progress, Doss participated in defensive drills March 10 during the Ohio State pro day for draft- eligible players.

Rehabilitation from torn ACLs can take between eight and 12 months, but the Vikings are protected in any case. Both starting safeties, Darren Sharper and Dwight Smith, remain under contract. The Vikings also re-signed veteran Tank Williams, who missed 2006 because of a fractured knee cap, and second-year player Greg Blue has displayed glimpses of potential.

If healthy, Doss could figure into the Vikings' nickel defense. Coach Brad Childress said in a statement that Doss will provide a "veteran's presence."It's always important to add quality football players to the roster," Childress said.

Doss has seven career interceptions but is known primarily for his tackling ability and his work near the line of scrimmage. Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier was his position coach with the Colts in 2005, and Doss said he is eager to compete for a starting job.

"It's a great situation to have three or four guys that can start anywhere in this league," Doss said. "Competition brings out the best of each individual. We'll let Coach Childress and Coach Frazier make that decision. All I have to do is get healthy and get ready to roll."

Doss was suspended for one game in 2005 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. After a May 2005 incident outside an Ohio restaurant, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of carrying a concealed weapon and firing a weapon within city limits.

He was sentenced to 40 hours of community service, fined $1,000 and ordered to destroy the gun.

Notes

• The Vikings re-signed linebacker Jason Glenn, who is rehabilitating a torn ACL in his left knee. In nine games before the injury last season, Glenn made eight tackles on special teams.

• Free agent receiver Cortez Hankton, who played his first four seasons at Jacksonville, completed a visit Wednesday night. Free agent receiver Aaron Moorehead (Colts) visited earlier this week.

• Former Gophers tight end Matt Spaeth will work out today for NFL scouts at the school's training facility. Spaeth did not participate in earlier offseason workouts because of shoulder surgery.

Staff writers Judd Zulgad and Chip Scoggins contributed to this report.

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com