Charles Johnson glided past the linebacker and cut toward the goalpost. Before the safety could get around his 6-2 frame, Johnson extended his arms to receive the Teddy Bridgewater long ball. Touchdown.

The big-time playmaking from Johnson carried over into Sunday's practice as the fourth-year receiver is stating a case to remain the starting split end. The Vikings' top offense went only two series, 13 plays to be exact, during Friday night's preseason opener against the Bengals. It was enough time for Johnson to connect with Bridgewater on a 49-yard touchdown, giving life to a downfield passing attack in need of a jolt in 2016.

Entering last season, hopes soared for Johnson as he entered a starter before a Week 3 rib injury derailed much of his season. Even so, the 27-year-old Johnson said there was no need for a confidence boost from the big play in Cincinnati.

"I don't know whose confidence needs to get back," Johnson said Sunday. "Maybe people upstairs or something, but mine has been here and I'll continue to do what I do."

Johnson has done what he does with the starting offense and Bridgewater throughout the summer, working ahead of Laquon Treadwell, the Vikings' top draft pick this spring. Treadwell has mixed in with the starters here and there, as he did on Sunday, but only when Johnson cedes his post as the front-runner.

That didn't appear likely at the end of last season, when Johnson was healthy and benched for the final three games — including the NFC North-clinching victory in Green Bay and the first-round playoff loss to Seattle. But since Stefon Diggs moved to the flanker role this offseason, the split end position is an open competition between Johnson and Treadwell.

Johnson

Tough going

Adrian Peterson wasn't playing, so take run game evaluations with a chunk of salt.

But Jerick McKinnon didn't have a ton of room in the preseason opener. His game-long run of 10 yards came as he dodged tacklers in the end zone, turning a potential safety into a manageable third down. The run sparked a 96-yard scoring drive, capped by Johnson's big touchdown grab.

Negative plays, including a sack, a penalty and three runs of 2 yards or fewer, left a bad taste.

"What we displayed wasn't us," McKinnon said. "We came out slow. … There's good things and bad things to take away from it."

McKinnon averaged 2.8 yards on five carries behind the starting offensive line.

"They were pretty good in protection," coach Mike Zimmer said. "In the run game, it wasn't all the offensive line. We had a few misses on some of their unorthodox stuff."

Another look

One noteworthy change Sunday was T.J. Clemmings' return to starting right tackle, at least for one practice.

Clemmings had taken a back seat to Andre Smith, who started throughout last week's practices and the exhibition victory in Cincinnati. Before departing Mankato, Zimmer said the process was "heading" toward Smith being named the starter.

Coaches apparently want to see more before deciding at right tackle.

Injury update

It was musical stationary bikes as receiver Jarius Wright and defensive tackles Sharrif Floyd and Scott Crichton were among those taking turns with exercise machines while teammates practiced.

They were three of 10 Vikings sidelined because of injuries Sunday, upon the return from Cincinnati. Floyd (knee), linebacker Eric Kendricks (hamstring), guard Brandon Fusco (undisclosed) and Wright are the four starters held back. Safety Anthony Harris, linebackers Emmanuel Lamur and Brandon Watts as well as cornerbacks Melvin White and Tre Roberson also were sidelined.

Floyd and his injured knee have been held out since Aug. 5.