Vikings notes: Priefer says sensitivity training made him better

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer said he feels he is a better man after completing sensitivity training during his two-game suspension for an anti-gay remark made during the 2012 season.

Priefer on Thursday did not go into details about the course, but he said it was a very positive experience and one that was professionally structured.

"I don't know if I've changed, but I think I have more awareness of my surroundings and other people around me," Priefer said.

Priefer was initially suspended three games, with a team option to reduce the punishment to two games if he completed the training. The Vikings announced Priefer's reinstatement in a statement on Sunday, saying he was "fully and thoughtfully engaged throughout the process and successfully completed the program."

"Like anything else in life, if you put a lot into it, you're going to get a lot out of it," Priefer said. "I tell my kids that, I tell my players that. So I went into it with a great attitude and I got a lot out of it quite honestly."

Priefer walked into a team meeting on Monday and received a standing ovation from the players. He didn't expect the warm reception, but he appreciated the gesture and told the players the issue is now behind them.

"I'm an emotional guy, and I really did appreciate it," Priefer said. "Reflecting back on it, I think that will be one of the great things that's ever happened to me as a football coach."

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

The rookie has been out for a month because of a left knee injury. Watts was receiving second-team reps at linebacker before the injury, playing in just the first two preseason games. The seventh-round pick still made the team as one of seven linebackers currently on the roster.

"He's got some coverage ability, which it's hard to find linebackers with coverage ability in the way the league is and the way offenses are nowadays," head coach Mike Zimmer said. "The more guys with some juice can help you."

Zimmer said Watts has a good future in the NFL. He's been limited over the past two practices, building strength in his knee. Watts said he hasn't experienced any soreness or swelling, 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."

Line was placed on the practice squad, with running back Joe Banyard taking his roster spot. Line said he had an unexpected vacation over the weekend but was happy to return with the team this week.

"I like the coaching staff, like the offense," Line said. "It's a good fit for a fullback. I definitely wanted to stay here, and I was happy I cleared waivers."

Zimmer said linebacker Chad Greenway (hand/rib) felt better but did not practice. He was the only player not to participate. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (shoulder) and right tackle Phil Loadholt (ankle) returned as limited participants.