There are two more preseason games to go and Vikings special teams coach Mike Priefer still isn't sure who his full-time punt returner will be. And Priefer might not get the final call; it might depend on who coach Leslie Frazier decides to keep on his final roster.
Jarius Wright, Josh Robinson, Bryan Walters and Marcus Sherels all got a shot at the position Friday against Buffalo. Priefer likes the big-play potential of Robinson and Wright but loves the reliability of Sherels, who might not break many big returns but can be depended on to secure the ball.
Buffalo punters did a good job, which made Priefer's job of evaluating his returners more difficult.
"We have to solidify who that is going forward, because we're running out of time to make that decision," Priefer said. "I have my ideas because of practice tape. ... The guy I'm most comfortable with would be Marcus, because he's done it before and he's very sure-handed. Josh has got some juice to him, as you've seen on defense as well. Walters has been there before, and Jarius is kind of in the developmental stage right now, to be honest with you."
Sherels handed the job fulltime last season, averaging 8.4 yards per return. With the competition more intense in the defensive backfield this year, being the punt returner might be Sherels' best chance to make the final roster.
Priefer might have to lobby with Frazier.
"Like any roster spot, returner is extremely important," Priefer said. "At this time of the year, I have to pick and choose my battles. That's why I watch practice and listen to the other coaches and their evaluations of the position players. It's going to be real interesting the next couple weeks what we end up doing."
That means the development of Robinson, a cornerback, and Wright, a receiver, will be closely watched. Both have had difficulties tracking the ball, especially on kicks outside. That said, Priefer said he would also pick the sure-handed receiver.
