Vikings' James cleared to start some 'catching up'

MANKATO — Erasmus James might have only been working with the third-team defense at right end during Sunday's practice, but it was a definite improvement to what he had been doing previously.

James, who spent the Vikings' first 19 full-team practices working off to the side, was finally activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list. His absence dated to the second game of last season, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and partially torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee. James underwent two surgical procedures. "I know I have some catching up to do," he said. "I've been out of football for almost a year."

James had clearance to return before Sunday, but the Vikings wanted him to get in some extra conditioning work. A close eye will be kept on how many practice reps he receives in the coming weeks. "We need to play him back into football-playing shape, and some of the leverage that occurs in football," coach Brad Childress said. "We'll gradually work him into that."

The 18th overall pick in the 2005 draft, James remains unsure if he will play in Friday's preseason game against the Jets.

A healthy James would provide a big boost to a Vikings pass rush that failed to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season. Ray Edwards has been atop the depth chart at right end during camp, but defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier made it clear James could quickly climb to the top.

"He's the starter if he is healthy," Frazier said. "He hasn't done anything to not be the starter other than he got hurt. If he can make it back, he'll be our starter, and other guys understand that."

Alexander's season finished

Linebacker Rufus Alexander suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament vs. the Rams and will be placed on season-ending injured reserve. A sixth-round pick in April, Alexander must clear the waived/injured wire, but that's considered a formality.

Alexander will do some rehabilitation to strengthen the knee before surgery is performed. Meanwhile, free-agent offensive lineman Don Mozes is expected to visit surgeon James Andrews this week; Mozes tore his right ACL in an Aug. 3 practice against Kansas City.

Etc.

• Childress and Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman were among team officials who attended Sunday's visitation for Vikings security guard Frank Foster, who died Wednesday at training camp. Foster, 66, was a retired St. Paul police officer.

• Safety Mike Doss, who suffered a mild concussion in Friday's game, had an impact test done Sunday and was cleared to take part in practice, which was held in shorts.

• Defensive end Jayme Mitchell was back after sitting out Friday because of a fractured orbit bone in his left eye.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com