Turning up the intensity

Ramp up the intensity

Monday's morning practice was probably the most physical so far in camp. The team worked on blitz, short- yardage and goal-line situations. The Vikings ended with an 11-on-11 scrimmage with live tackling. The practice marked the last time the team will be in full pads before Friday's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. "There's an old saying, 'A soldier should never do anything for the first time in combat,'" coach Brad Childress said. "So you don't want Friday to be the first time that we're moving the football in a team-type situation."

Sidney Rice continued his impressive camp with a terrific touchdown catch during goal-line work. On fourth down from the 2, Rice found an opening in the back of the end zone and grabbed a high pass from Sage Rosenfels with one arm. Rice also got reps as the kickoff returner, but Childress said he would likely only be used in that capacity in an emergency.

The Vikings held their collective breath when Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson stayed on the ground for a brief moment after a running play in the live scrimmage. Hutchinson was checked out by the athletic trainers before returning a few plays later.

Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson opened the live scrimmage period with an explosive 27-yard run around the left side. He added a 12-yard run two plays later.

SIGNAL CALLING

Tarvaris Jackson and Rosenfels continue to split reps with the first-team offense. Like previous days, the results for both were mixed, but the real test will come Friday in the preseason opener against Indianapolis. Childress said he hasn't decided which quarterback will start that game.

INJURY REPORT

• Naufahu Tahi, FB, ankle, day to day

• Husain Abdullah, S, back, day to day

CAMP CHATTER

--Defensive end Jared Allen yelled after the defense stuffed running back Albert Young for no gain during a third-and-short drill

SCHEDULE

Today: 9-11:15 a.m.; 2:45-4 p.m.

Wednesday: 9-11:15 a.m.; 2:10-3:15 p.m.