The team doesn't believe Hicks' injury is too serious, but if he cannot play -- or be effective -- Johnson will have to step in again. Johnson has played exclusively on the right side, at both guard and tackle, in his four-year NFL career.

He did an adequate job against Green Bay, but Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is a difficult matchup for even experienced left tackles.

Tight end Garrett Mills got little work in during the preseason because of a high ankle sprain, but he was an important part of the offense in the opener. Mills was the team's leading receiver in the opener with three catches for 49 yards and was used in different roles. He split out wide as a receiver in one set. Coach Brad Childress said they would to get mismatches with either a strong safety or linebacker in those situations. Mills is versatile enough to line up in the backfield as an H-back.

PLAYER NOTES

--LT Artis Hicks was limited for a second consecutive day of practice Thursday because of an injury to his right elbow and it remains uncertain if he will be able to play Sunday against Indianapolis in the Vikings' home opener. Coach Brad Childress said Hicks is "making good progress" but that isn't a guarantee that he will be able to suit up. Hicks has been wearing a brace on his elbow.

--CB Marcus McCauley, who played in all 16 games last season, including nine starts, was inactive in the opener. Childress said a knee injury in training camp set him back and that the ability of other backup defensive backs to play special teams played a part. McCauley started the 2007 season as a nickel back but he's now fighting just to be active on game days.

--RB Chester Taylor got five carries, three catches and one kickoff return. Coach Brad Childress said that is an appropriate number of touches for Adrian Peterson's backup.

--RB Maurice Hicks was limited in practice for the second consecutive day because of a sprained foot that sidelined him for the opener against Green Bay. Hicks said he is feeling better but it remains to be seen if he can return kicks Sunday against Indianapolis.

--LB Chad Greenway was used in almost every nickel situation in the opener. Greenway and Ben Leber alternated coming out of the game last season when the defense brought in an extra defensive back.

GAME PLAN: The Vikings defense did some good things in the opener but it must eliminate big plays. Cornerback Charles Gordon lost a one-on-one matchup against Greg Jennings on a 56-yard pass play. A gap-control breakdown led to a 57-yard run by Ryan Grant. On offense, the Vikings hope to unleash their running game against a Colts defense that gave up 183 yards rushing and a 4.7-yard average against the Bears. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had a strong first outing with 103 yards rushing and one touchdown on 19 carries.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Colts DE Dwight Freeney vs. Vikings LT Artis Hicks -- Hicks is filling in for suspended starter Bryant McKinnie but has an injured elbow. If he can't play, then he'll be replaced by Marcus Johnson, who got his first experience at left tackle last week.

Colts QB Peyton Manning vs. Vikings secondary: The Vikings finished last in the NFL in pass defense last season and have a rookie starting safety, Tyrell Johnson. Manning will try and take advantage of Johnson's inexperience.

Vikings DL vs. Colts OL.: The Vikings heralded defensive line got held in check by a patch-work Packers line last week. DE Jared Allen did not have a tackle or sack in his Vikings debut and vowed to play better this week.

INJURY IMPACT: LT Artis Hicks (elbow) missed most of the second half last week and is wearing a bulky brace in practice. He faced a daunting assignment even if healthy going against Dwight Freeney.

--RB Maurice Hicks (foot) returned to practice after missing all of last week. Hicks is listed as the No. 1 kickoff returner, but was limited Thursday.

--QB Tarvaris Jackson remains listed on the injury report because of the sprained medial collateral ligament he suffered in his right knee during the preseason. Jackson, however, has not missed any practice time this week.

--S Madieu Williams (neck) is not practicing and is not expected to return for several more weeks.