Access Vikings morning walkthrough: Kalil quieting his critics, Vikings could be shorthanded at receiver and more

Every weekday, we walk you through what's going on with the Vikings.

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

— Left tackle Matt Kalil has played well enough through three games to convince fans to put down their torches and pitchforks and keyboards.

— The Vikings could be shorthanded at wide receiver Sunday. Both Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright missed practice for the second straight day.

— The Vikings have been one of the NFL's least-penalized teams so far.

— Former Gophers safety Brock Vereen said he decided to join the Vikings' practice squad because he had a comfort level here in the Twin Cities.

— Heading into his 16th career start, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is pleased with his progress, though he thinks some of it has gone unnoticed.

— The Denver D is playing with fire under new coordinator Wade Phillips.

— The Broncos signed veteran offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus yesterday, and they are so desperate for line help that he could start Sunday.

— Broncos pass rusher DeMarcus Ware has an impressive resume, but he had never been named the Defensive Player of the Month until yesterday.

TODAY'S VIKINGS SCHEDULE

Practice is at 11 a.m. Afterward, coach Mike Zimmer will hold his final press conference of the week and the locker room will be open to reporters.