Mike Zimmer calls joint practices 'productive,' mum about Friday plans

The Vikings and Bengals concluded their joint practices this morning with a partially-padded but fast-paced session that lasted a little over an hour.

The Vikings made it through both practices with no major injuries and no fisticuffs with those spunky Bengals. And Zimmer believed the practices with a possible playoff team in Cincinnati were productive.

"We had a good couple days of work," he said after this morning's practice. "I think both teams acted in a professional manner. We got a lot of work done. It was nice and hot out here both days, so that was good for us."

Specifically, Zimmer thought the work in the trenches was beneficial for both his offensive and defensive line. And he felt that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater showed well against a pretty talented Bengals defense.

"We got a lot of good work done," he said. "We got some situation stuff in. We got to pass rush against other people. We got to pass protect against good defensive linemen. I thought Teddy played very well both days."

Since it was a good experience, maybe we'll see more of these next year.

Now the Vikings get a little bit of downtime before playing their preseason opener here tomorrow night. Zimmer is hosting coaches and personnel folks from both teams at his Kentucky home this evening.

Anyway, back to football. Zimmer would not say how much he plans to play his starters tomorrow night. And he wouldn't say how he will handle the center spot, where he has been rotating John Sullivan and Joe Berger.

Of course, who starts at center could hinge on whether guard Brandon Fusco, who was held out of practice this morning and was replaced by Berger at right guard, can play. Zimmer wasn't giving that up either.

"You'll find out tomorrow," Zimmer said. "I respect that you have to ask."

While Zimmer said he is "happy with our guys" up front, the team still plans to do some tinkering there, especially with the would-be backups.