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Access Vikings morning walkthrough: Kendricks has the edge, Bridgewater chasing a Vikings record and more

By Matt Vensel

August 25, 2015 at 12:55PM

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

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

— Kevin McDermott has beaten out long-time Vikings long snapper Cullen Loeffler, leading to Loeffler's release. So how did McDermott find out he won the job and made the team? Loeffler called to congratulate him.

— Loeffler was surprised by the team's decision to cut him, but he said he has plenty of fond memories from his 11 seasons in Minnesota.

— Eric Kendricks now appears to have the edge at middle linebacker.

— Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is on the verge of setting a Vikings record. Granted, it's a preseason record. But still, a record nonetheless.

— Defensive end Justin Trattou has taken a leap forward under coach Mike Zimmer. Why? Trattou has a plan now when it comes to the pass rush.

— Center John Sullivan missed another practice due to back spasms.

AROUND THE NFC NORTH

— Are the Packers still contenders without wide receiver Jordy Nelson?

— Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford believes second-year tight end Eric Ebron is on the verge of a breakout season after a quiet rookie year.

— Bears defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff waited so long for the NFL to suspend him, he claims he forgot that his three-game ban was coming.

TODAY'S VIKINGS SCHEDULE

After their morning walkthrough, the Vikings will have a media availability period, including a Q&A with Norv Turner. Practice is at 12:50 p.m.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

If it appears to you that the Vikings have had trouble running the ball to the right, the numbers back up what you're seeing. So far this preseason, the Vikings are averaging 4.2 yards per carry when running left, according to Pro Football Focus. They are getting just 2.9 yards per carry when going to the right. To be fair, though, when it comes to the first-team offense, the Vikings haven't had much luck wherever they run. Jerick McKinnon, who has gotten most of those carries, has averaged just 1.6 yards per carry.