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Vikings: Final clearances loom for Peterson

By Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Last update: July 17, 2007 - 8:34 PM

Rookie running back Adrian Peterson has two hurdles remaining before he can join the Vikings next week in training camp: Signing a contract and passing one final physical exam on his mending left collarbone.

Negotiations on Peterson's rookie deal remain in the early stages, and it is too early to know if a holdout is looming. As for his collarbone, coach Brad Childress said Peterson has suffered no setbacks but that his original rehabilitation plan always has included a late-summer evaluation.

"We'll have a final discussion on that," Childress said. "He hasn't had any backsteps, put it that way. Doing all your homework on it, it's not something you send back for a bone scan every day to see what it's doing."

The Vikings opted against surgery in May, determining the bone was healing on its own. Peterson participated without limitations in all offseason practices that were open to the media. By NFL rules, the practices were strictly non-contact.

Childress said the final exam, which would be conducted after Peterson signs his contract, would mostly serve to assure the organization that the injury has healed as expected.

In other injury news, defensive end Erasmus James, who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, recently was cleared to "do every movement he can do," Childress said.

James, however, remains a candidate for the physically unable to perform list. That decision would come next week.

Etc.

• The Vikings agreed to terms with receiver Aundrae Allison, their fifth-round draft pick, on a four-year contract that will pay him a signing bonus of about $180,000. Allison likely will sign the contract today. With a week remaining until reporting day, the Vikings have completed negotiations with four of their eight draft choices.

• Childress said offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell will call some plays during unscripted portions of training camp practices. But no final decision has been made on those duties for the regular season. "I just want to watch and see how it goes," said Childress, who called almost all of the team's plays last season.

• Along with USA Football, the Vikings held their annual Youth Football Day at Winter Park. About 150 boys and girls went through drills on the team's practice field. Childress, center Matt Birk and quarterback Brooks Bollinger gave brief talks.

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com