McNabb on injury report but practices

Be surprised, but don't be alarmed. At least not yet.

Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb was included on Wednesday's injury report because of a right wrist injury, but he also had full participation in practice.

Also on the Vikings' injury report was cornerback Asher Allen (toe), who had limited participation; and cornerback Chris Cook (hamstring) and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring), both of whom had full participation.

"I'm opening it up," said Shiancoe, who missed the entire preseason. "I'm out there running full speed. I'm feeling really quick out there, so I'm excited."

Favre can breathe easy Vikings left tackle Charlie Johnson called it "a strange day in the NFL," and who can argue?

Peyton Manning, the Colts quarterback for 208 consecutive regular-season starts dating to 1998, won't play on Sunday because he hasn't healed from neck surgery.

"It's weird, really weird," said Johnson, who started 54 games for the Colts from 2006 to '10. "I don't think he's missed but one snap that I know of, and he never missed practice. I can't even imagine walking into that huddle and seeing anybody but No. 18 running the show. It's hard to believe."

Tickets available Steve LaCroix, Vikings vice president of sales and marketing, said there are about 3,000 tickets left for next week's home opener against Tampa Bay. He said he remains "confident" the Vikings will sell out and avoid their first locally televised blackout since 1997.

There are about 7,000 tickets left for the Sept. 25 game against Detroit.

Sanford's work pays off Jamarca Sanford won the starting strong safety competition with Tyrell Johnson, although Johnson will rotate in at the position.

"It means a lot," Sanford said of getting the starting nod. "It shows work pays off. I worked hard on my weaknesses during the offseason. I did more ball drills this offseason. Catching balls, getting comfortable with the ball."

Etc. • Coach Leslie Frazier said second-year cornerback Marcus Sherels has won the punt return job. Although veteran Greg Camarillo can handle the job "in a pinch," as Frazier said, the team intends to give Sherels the first opportunity on Sunday in San Diego.

• The Vikings made changes to their practice squad, releasing fullback Matt Asiata and defensive end Cedric McKinley and signing defensive back Domonique Johnson and linebacker Tyrone McKenzie.

• Everson Griffen, who was switched to linebacker last week, was back working with the defensive line in the portion of practice open to the media.

• Safety Mistral Raymond is now wearing No. 41.

• Awkward: Cameron Turner, nephew of Chargers coach Norv Turner, is an offensive assistant to Frazier.

• Three Chargers didn't practice because of injuries: receiver Vincent Brown (hamstring), receiver Patrick Crayton (ankle) and linebacker Jonas Mouton (shoulder).