Rookie RT Clemmings thrust into role as possible starter

Welcome to the NFL, T.J. Clemmings. You, rook, are apparently that "next man up" at right tackle for the Vikings after starter Phil Loadholt suffered what is expected to be a season-ending torn left Achilles' tendon in Saturday night's 26-16 preseason victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium.

"Oh, man, this is unexpected," the fourth-round draft pick said after replacing Loadholt 49 seconds into the game. "I'm not sure about anything after tonight. I think I did all right. I just have to make sure I know exactly what I'm doing out there if I'm the starter. And learn my technique. I should be OK with those two things."

Coach Mike Zimmer indicated Clemmings is the front-runner to replace Loadholt.

"We draft these guys to get in here and play," Zimmer said. "I thought T.J. did a nice job when he was in there. He's a terrific athlete and that's where he feels more comfortable at tackle."

Clemmings didn't look crisp, but he also didn't appear to make any glaring errors. The first and second units scored four times in the seven possessions that he was on the field.

The Vikings do have an in-house backup plan if Clemmings fails. Right guard Mike Harris is a career right tackle who has played only one regular-season game at guard in his life. Last year, when Loadholt went down with a torn pectoral muscle, Harris started the final five games at right tackle.

"I've been playing right tackle my whole career so if the team needs me, that's fine with me," Harris said. "I'm getting more comfortable at guard, but tackle is more natural for me, so I wouldn't mind going back out there if the coaches make that decision."

Tight end Kyle Rudolph caught two more passes for two more first downs, including an 18-yarder to open the game. In four series of work this preseason, he has four catches for 46 yards and four first downs.

Backup Gerald Hodges started for the second straight week as linebacker Anthony Barr (knee) was rested again.

Defensively, Vikings starters played together as a group for the first two series before the over-30 trio of end Brian Robison, linebacker Chad Greenway and cornerback Terence Newman exited after forcing two punts despite giving up some familiar-looking cutback runs early.

"We just want to make sure we don't get those leaky cutback runs like we did last year," Greenway said. "We did get off the field both times with no issues. But we're also happy it's only August."

Rookie first-round draft pick Trae Waynes, who had three penalties and was beaten deep last Sunday against Pittsburgh, was partly responsible for giving up a 40-yard completion to Vincent Jackson in the first quarter. His coverage appeared to be too loose, but Zimmer said he should have had better support from strong safety Robert Blanton.

Waynes also played in the No. 1 nickel package for the second week in a row.

Cordarrelle Patterson caught a 21-yard touchdown from Shaun Hill to give the Vikings a 16-3 second-quarter lead, but then came back on the next possession with a taunting penalty that pushed the Vikings out of Bucs territory and led to a punt.

On the taunting play, Patterson reacted to a hard tackle by linebacker Kwon Alexander as he was going out of bounds on an 8-yard catch. As the two got to their feet, Patterson head-butted Alexander.

"The guy got in my face and I said some things back," Patterson said. "I thought they were calling it on him, but they called it on me. You just have to learn from mistakes like that."

Injured players who didn't suit up were Josh Robinson, David Yankey, Brandon Bostick, B.J. DuBose and Scott Crichton. Yankey had returned to practice this past week.