The Vikings wrap up their offseason workout program this week and set the stage for training camp with their three-day mandatory minicamp.
Five Vikings minicamp storylines that we will have our eyes on
With Adrian Peterson back in the fold, there is not much drama for the Vikings, who have had a quiet offseason beyond the Peterson saga. But that doesn't mean there won't be intrigue out at Winter Park starting Tuesday.
Unfortunately, the minicamp is not open to the public. But media can watch all three days. Here are five storylines we'll keep our eyes on for you.
1. Who will line up with first-team offensive line?
The configuration of the line for Week 1 won't be determined until training camp and the preseason, when the linemen will actually be in pads. But this week's minicamp could give us a hint about the preferred quintet. Matt Kalil and Brandon Fusco have manned the left side of the line this spring with John Sullivan anchoring the line at center. Michael Harris seems to be a placeholder at right tackle until the injured Phil Loadholt can return to team drills. The right guard spot, though, has been a revolving door, with T.J. Clemmings, Tyrus Thompson and David Yankey all getting snaps with the ones. Will one of them seize pole position heading into training camp?
2. Will any of the injured starters return this week?
Loadholt is not fully back after undergoing pectoral surgery last November. Defensive end Brian Robison injured his pectoral early in the spring and has been sidelined. Linebacker Anthony Barr has been out with a mystery ailment (it's not his knee, we know that much). And cornerback Captain Munnerlyn injured his foot at the start of OTAs. Head coach Mike Zimmer is hopeful that those guys will take steps forward in their recoveries this week. Of those four, the injuries to Robison and Barr are most concerning.
3. Can Cordarrelle Patterson get back with the ones?
Throughout the spring workouts open to media, the Vikings consistently ran wide receivers Mike Wallace, Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright with the first-team offense. Patterson was with the second-stringers, usually snagging passes from backup quarterback Shaun Hill. Has Patterson made enough strides to get another chance to click with Teddy Bridgewater?
4. Where will top draft pick Trae Waynes be lining up?
Zimmer isn't handing anything to Waynes. The young cornerback has mostly been with the second unit and has been getting a significant amount of snaps in the slot instead of on the outside. Waynes will be in the mix to start this summer — maybe sooner than later with a strong minicamp.
5. Who will have a leg up in the competition at safety?
Robert Blanton, despite losing his starting job to Andrew Sendejo late last season, was back next to Harrison Smith in the spring workouts open to the media. Will he keep hogging all the first-team reps or will Sendejo, Taylor Mays or intriguing second-year safety Antone Exum get opportunities?
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.