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Access Vikings morning walkthrough: McDermott wins the battle, Patterson out of position again and more

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

By Matt Vensel

August 24, 2015 at 1:43PM

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

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

— The Vikings released long snapper Cullen Loeffler earlier this morning.

— Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson showed again Saturday night why you can still ride the bench even with all the talent in the world.

— The Vikings should be worried about kicker Blair Walsh, and four other takeaways from the win over the Raiders on Saturday night.

— Columnist Jim Souhan believes that wide receiver Charles Johnson, a twice-discarded seventh-round pick, is on the verge of a breakout season.

— Maybe we haven't seen the last of former Vikings receiver Randy Moss. Moss said he has not "lost the itch" and didn't rule out an NFL return.

AROUND THE NFC NORTH

— The Packers suffered a devastating preseason injury yesterday, losing star wide receiver Jordy Nelson for the season with a torn ACL.

— Possibly without top pick Kevin White for the season, the Bears are counting on contributions from other rookies to carry their draft class.

— Lions coach Jim Caldwell has changed his tune about Haloti Ngata. Now he isn't sure if the big defensive tackle will be ready for Week 1.

TODAY'S VIKINGS SCHEDULE

You know how we can tell the NFL season is almost here? The Vikings have shifted to a regular season practice schedule, with a morning walkthrough, media availability at 11 a.m. and then practice beginning at 12:50 p.m.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

We are now through three preseason games, and left tackle Matt Kalil has yet to allow anyone to lay a finger on his quarterback. According to Pro Football Focus, Kalil has been in pass protection for 35 snaps in those three games and has not allowed even a quarterback hit or hurry. Now, the Steelers and Buccaneers don't exactly have formidable edge rushing threats. But the Raiders have a budding star in Khalil Mack, and Kalil did a good job with him the other night. Of course, what happens in the regular season is what counts, but might we be looking at a rebound year from Kalil?