Brandon Watts returns after month layoff

Vikings rookie linebacker Brandon Watts received a little ribbing from the linebackers in his return to practice on Wednesday.

"They've been talking trash to me the last couple of weeks since I've been down," Watts said.

"Uh-oh, Watts is back!" yelled linebacker Gerald Hodges right before Watts participated in his first individual period. The tackling drill is simple, which asks the linebackers to run up and hit a purple dummy, but can be embarrassing if a linebacker doesn't follow through properly.

The ribbing ensured after Watts' first attempt. He made contact with the dummy but got stuck, failing to finish through by lifting the dummy up, and had to do the drill again.

"I was a little nervous at first," Watts said. "It was my first time doing any football movements. After that, I was fine."

The rookie has been out for a month due to a left knee injury. Watts was receiving second team reps at linebacker prior to the injury, playing in just the first two preseason games. The seventh round pick said the down time was frustrating, but he spent the last month strengthening his knee and receiving mental reps.

Watts still made the team, despite the injury, as the Vikings currently have seven linebackers on the roster.

Watts was a limited participant at practice but said he only experienced fatigue in the knee as it continues to build strength. He said he didn't have any soreness or swelling on Thursday, however.

"It's a good sign," Watts said. "The trainers have been doing a great job taking care of me. I'm really feeling great every morning any time I come back from doing any kind of workout."