The voice barking out commands was not as familiar, but the Vikings say the intensity was just as high during special-teams drills this week with special teams coordinator Mike Priefer starting his suspension.

Longtime NFL special teams coordinator Joe Marciano took over for Priefer in an interim role Monday and installed Priefer's game plan for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams. Priefer had to be out of Winter Park before midnight this past Sunday to serve his suspension.

"We miss Prief, first of all. But Joe's carried over the intensity that Priefer always has," head coach Mike Zimmer said. "It's been good. We've been doing the same things. Mike had the game plan done long before he left. It's been pretty seamless as far as the transition."

Vikings special-teamers said the week was a little different with Priefer gone. But they feel the time that Priefer and Marciano spent together after Marciano was officially hired Aug. 11 helped with the transition.

"He and Coach Marciano have had a great relationship," long snapper Cullen Loeffler said. "Coach Marciano has been here with us for a while, since down in Mankato. It's been a great transition. He's coached for a long time, has tremendous knowledge of the game, as does Coach Priefer. So we're just looking forward to going out there and hitting someone in a different color."

Priefer was suspended three games for making an anti-gay remark in 2012, but the suspension can be reduced to two games if he completes sensitivity training. He started that this week.

Fullbacks hard to find

The Vikings' decision to carry two fullbacks — Jerome Felton and Zach Line — was mildly surprising, considering how the position has fallen out of favor across the NFL.

"We think they're both good players. Fullbacks are hard to find if something happens," Zimmer said.

Why?

"In college, no one has them anymore," Zimmer said. "So typically you're taking a tight end — if they have those. There's hardly any blocking tight ends anymore. So you're taking them and making them fullbacks or taking linebackers and making them fullbacks. When you find one, if you have a fullback offense, you keep them."

Zimmer has a dream

In the nights leading up to his first game as an NFL head coach, Zimmer has had trouble falling asleep. But once he was able to Thursday night, he had a vivid dream he hopes will one day come true.

"I had a heck of a dream [Thursday] night," Zimmer said. "I dreamed we won the Super Bowl. It was amazing. It felt real, too. I was getting ready to get up on that podium. And then I woke up."

Zimmer did not pull a Rex Ryan, though, and predict that the Vikings will win the Super Bowl.

Griffen expects to go

The Vikings listed starting defensive end Everson Griffen as questionable for Sunday, but Griffen, who sat out of practice Thursday and Friday with an illness, said he is starting.

"I was sick," Griffen said. "I'm just getting better each and every day."

Line (ankle) and linebackers Brandon Watts (knee) and Michael Mauti (foot) were officially ruled out. Offensive tackle Mike Harris (shoulder) is questionable. Cornerback Jabari Price (shoulder) and receiver Rodney Smith (neck) are probable.

Two Rams players, starting cornerback Trumaine Johnson and center Barrett Jones, were ruled out.

Prater to safety?

Cornerback Shaun Prater participated in drills with the safeties this week. Several weeks ago, Zimmer said he wanted to see him there.