Minor surgery expected for Robison

MANKATO — Vikings defensive end Brian Robison was back in the Twin Cities on Tuesday and is expected to undergo surgery on a varicose vein in his left leg this week. The procedure is considered relatively minor and Robison should be out for only a couple of weeks.

"It's a concern because you really want Brian to be able to be here practicing and really preparing," defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. "He's a guy we are counting on to create the kind of depth we'd like to have. ... For him not to be able to go through these practices right now is probably a negative for us and for him in particular."

Robison said Monday that he has had a varicose vein in his calf area since high school and that doctors recently told him it "has to get worked on." The 2007 fourth-round pick had 4 1/2 sacks last year and is expected to serve as Jared Allen's backup at right end. Otis Grigsby appears set to take snaps with the second team at right end while Robison is out.

Thankful it's over

Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell likely was the among the happiest people to see NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell clear the team of wrongdoing after the Packers filed tampering charges against it for "inappropriate contact" with quarterback Brett Favre.

Bevell was a Packers assistant from 2000 to '05 and became good friends with Favre. The two still talk, and in this case, it landed the Vikings in hot water.

"To be honest with you, it wasn't my main focus," Bevell said. "My main focus was out here, what we're doing, what's best for us. I'm glad that the commissioner made a decision. It helps us put this behind us so I won't have to worry about coming up here and getting questions about it."

Bevell admitted he might have to be more careful in talking to others around the league in the future.

"Probably unfortunately," he said. "I know there are relationships coaches-to-coaches. I know coaches with people in the front office, coaches with players, players with players. But it's an important message that you need to think about what you're doing."

Making a move

Bevell, who called plays from the press box last year, will be on the sidelines during Friday's preseason game against Seattle and likely will stay there during the season. Quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers will move upstairs.

"It's something we want to take a look at," Bevell said of the change. "We're going to give it a shot in the preseason. Kind of take it on a game-by-game basis and then when the seasons starts we'll know what we are going to do."

Etc.

• Cornerback Marcus McCauley (knee) could return this weekend, Frazier said. Garrett Mills (ankle) continues to miss time after being injured July 28. Mills entered camp appearing to have a chance to challenge for playing time.