After a recent history of training camp distractions, the Minnesota Vikings arrived for this year's camp distraction-free. All 90 players showed up on time and under contract, but since then the team has been beset by injuries.
Who’s in camp: The list of players who have missed time with injury has grown daily. RB Adrian Peterson came to camp rehabbing his injured knee from last season. His rehab continues, and, despite a trip to the hospital for an allergic reaction to seafood, Peterson is inching closer to getting onto the field and potentially taking snaps during a preseason game.
In addition, there have been hamstring tweaks for CB Josh Robinson and S Robert Blanton, sprained ankles for RB Jordan Todman and DL Jeff Charleston, a sprained MCL for OL Pat Brown and a shoulder injury for OL DeMarcus Love. The offensive line unit has been particularly afflicted, reaching the point of there being only 11 linemen in camp. Injury problems led to the signing of G Grant Cook, a rookie from Arkansas who was cut by the Packers before camp began, and G Bridger Buche, who was released earlier this week by the Steelers.
Who’s not in camp: CB Nick Taylor was the first to leave camp after sustaining a torn labrum in practice. Taylor was waived and could possibly receive an injury settlement. OL Geoff Schwartz, a free agent signee battling for the starting RG position, left camp late in the week for evaluation of what turned about to be a sports hernia. He returned to camp on Saturday for a walk-through, but the timetable for his return to action is uncertain. Another prized free agent, TE John Carlson, suffered an MCL sprain while blocking on a running play. Since the ligament wasn’t torn, he is expected back in about two weeks. The Vikings also waived DE Eric Latimore and WR A. J. Love to make room for Cook and Buche, who were brought in to help the depleted offensive line.
For the latest news and reports on the Vikings, follow Joe Oberle on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLMIN and @joeoberle.
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