They released four players Monday, offensive tackles Sean Dumford and Brock Pasteur, receiver Daniel Davis, and linebacker Derrick Pope. That trimmed the roster to 75, and it must be at the regular-season limit of 53 players by Saturday.

This is a complicated week for the coaches, who must weigh depth at every position and factor in special teams ability for the players fighting for backup spots.

"Obviously I would take as many offensive guys as we can get," offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said, echoing the sentiment of defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. "That's why we have a head coach."

Thursday's final exhibition game at Dallas, meaningless to most, will give the third-stringers their most significant audition of the preseason to show the Vikings or another team they're worth keeping.

The eight-player practice squad is, of course, the perfect place to stash those young guys who can't crack the active roster, but first they must be placed on waivers and made available to the rest of the league. As the Vikings were reminded last year - when quarterback Tyler Thigpen, their seventh-round draft pick, was signed by Kansas City - it's dangerous for teams to assume they can put any player they want on the practice squad.

Injury concerns are also part of the formula. Players hurt during training camp at several positions - wide receiver, defensive end, safety and offensive tackle - could force the Vikings to take an extra backup in a place they might not have otherwise.

Sidney Rice (virus) was back on the field Monday, though fellow receivers Bernard Berrian (toe) and Robert Ferguson (calf) did not join their teammates for stretching at the beginning of practice - the only portion open to reporters. Martin Nance and sixth-round draft pick Jaymar Johnson are probably the top candidates if the Vikings choose to keep six receivers.

Rookie offensive tackle Drew Radovich (shoulder) has been banged up, and backup Marcus Johnson was hurt earlier. Plus, starter Bryant McKinnie's status is uncertain. He faces the possibility of a multi-game suspension from the league for off-the-field behavior.

Defensive end Brian Robison (leg) is recovering, and safety Madieu Williams (neck) will be out at least another month. Though Robison should be ready for the season opener at Green Bay, there are two more positions that could use extra depth for September.

"You have to save a roster spot for Madieu, believing that he's going to be back," Frazier said. "We are hoping on that. But at the same time you have to make sure that you don't put a guy on the street that can help your football team."

Special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro will have plenty to watch Thursday, but he'll allow those players in action on offense and defense to catch their breath and use them accordingly and appropriately on the kick return and coverage units.

"We're doing our best to make it fair," he said.