Frazier leaning toward Lorenzo Booker for kickoffs

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said the coaching staff will meet one more time to discuss whether to use Percy Harvin or Lorenzo Booker to return kickoffs in Sunday's season opener at San Diego.

Frazier, however, seemed to be prepping Harvin fans to be disappointed.

"We're getting close to figuring that out," Frazier said. "We have a lot of confidence in Lorenzo Booker. Percy's done a great job, but Lorenzo at the end of last season, he did a terrific job as well for us."

Booker averaged 23.8 yards on 18 returns after coming over from the United Football League last season.

Harvin averaged 23.3 yards on 40 returns, including a touchdown, last year.

Booker on touchbacks Like most football fans, Booker noticed the unusually high number of touchbacks in the Packers' 42-34 victory over the Saints on Thursday. With NFL teams now kicking off from the 35-yard line, there were eight touchbacks -- six more than there were all of last season at Lambeau Field.

"It will even out and there will be enough returns to where everybody is satisfied," Booker said. "I never really thought it was going to affect the game the way people thought. Returners who aren't a threat to go the distance, you'll see them stay in more. But guys who can come out and make something happen, they'll come out just as much."

Said Booker: "It was one of those deals where you go, 'Man, what are you thinking? Wait a minute. Oh, great job!'"

Leading the way Frazier spent a few moments after Friday's practice talking to members of his team leadership committee on the field.

Chad Greenway, Chris Kluwe, Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen, Ryan Longwell, Antoine Winfield, E.J. Henderson, Steve Hutchinson, Donovan McNabb and Harvin were there. Kevin Williams, who is serving a two-game suspension, also is on the committee.

"I just ask those guys who are really my core leadership group to convey the message that I've been talking about all through the week in the locker room," Frazier said. "If they buy in, other guys will follow. I just have to make sure what I say, they believe in. If there's something we need to talk about within the team that could create any issues, hopefully they bring them to me and we'll be able to get it handled."

Frazier said the committee will meet with him weekly.

Etc. • Cornerback Asher Allen (toe) is the only player who didn't fully participate in Friday's practice. He was limited and is questionable for Sunday's game. McNabb (right wrist) and cornerback Chris Cook (hamstring) are probable.

• Right tackle Phil Loadholt, who missed practice Thursday because of a family matter, was back Friday.

• For the Chargers, linebacker Jonas Mouton (shoulder) and receivers Vincent Brown (hamstring) and Patrick Crayton (ankle) did not practice.

• Vikings rookie Christian Ballard will focus on the three-technique defensive tackle spot (lining up on the outside shoulder of a guard) for this game. He also has played defensive end and nose tackle in the nickel this preseason.