Vikings veterans calling for nastier disposition in training camp

MANKATO – Terence Newman wants to see some fights in training camp.

The 38-year-old Newman reported for his 15th NFL training camp Wednesday in Mankato. The veteran Vikings cornerback arrived jovial, videotaping the crowd for a rare social media post. That's where he'd like the tranquillity to end.

"I think we're close to doing some great things," Newman said, adding: "Obviously we've got to work, compete hard. I think we just need to be a little more mean to each other. Hopefully we have a couple more fights. That lets you know that everybody is really working and guys are getting personal and whatnot."

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As the Vikings look to rebound from a 3-8 skid after last year's 5-0 start, coach Mike Zimmer has willed his team to embrace a "blue-collar" approach. He has spoken about wanting nastier play from his offensive line, for instance. Newman, one of the Vikings defensive stalwarts, wouldn't mind seeing that spill over from time to time. Add safety Harrison Smith to the list of players who want to see more of an edge from everybody.

"I think that's a good point," Smith said. "We have such a good group of guys and are kind of a close-knit group. Sometimes maybe we're not as mean to each other as we should be — in a positive way."

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was placed on the physically unable to perform list Wednesday after his physical, the team announced.

Bridgewater was among the veterans arriving to camp Wednesday before the first practice Thursday. He has not practiced in 11 months since suffering his devastating knee injury that included dislocation and several torn ligaments.

Bridgewater will hold his first news conference since the injury at 11:30 a.m. Thursday

Jerick McKinnon refuses to be the forgotten man in the Vikings new-look backfield. The running back race will take another step Thursday with the first full practice at training camp.

McKinnon, who led the Vikings with 539 rushing yards last season, and rookie Dalvin Cook will begin their bids for carries while Latavius Murray (ankle) remains sidelined.

"I think it'll be done by committee, but there's only one starter at the position," McKinnon said. "That's my main goal is to come in here and compete for that job. Like I said, it's a good group, and I can't wait to see where my game stacks up against theirs."