
--G Artis Hicks, who was the Vikings' starting right guard at the beginning of last season but eventually lost the job to Anthony Herrera, was mainly getting snaps as the backup left guard at the beginning of camp. Hicks also is considered the top backup at left tackle.
--WR Jaymar Johnson might find it tough to make the team as a receiver but his speed and seemingly reliable hands make him a candidate to stick around in a punt or kick return role.
--DE Jayme Mitchell was working with the first team early in camp because of the back injury that landed Ray Edwards on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Brian Robison is projected as the top backup to Jared Allen at left end this season. However, Robison could switch over to the left side if Edwards is forced to miss an extended time.
--CB Benny Sapp was signed as a free agent this offseason after spending his first four seasons with Kansas City. His best chance to make the roster will be as a nickel back but that could be an uphill battle considering Charles Gordon and Marcus McCauley appear to be ahead of him.
--C John Sullivan, a sixth-round pick from Notre Dame, is working as the second-team center and also is getting reps with the third team at right guard. Sullivan is considered the eventual replacement for Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, who will be a free agent after this season.
EXPECTED BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Brooks Bollinger vs. John David Booty for the No. 3 quarterback job -- The two were sharing snaps with the third team early in camp and will get limited opportunity to impress. Bollinger is a known commodity but that might actually hurt him. The Vikings selected Booty in the fifth round of last April's draft and coach Brad Childress likes to have a developmental-type quarterback on his roster.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: The competition for the nickel-back position will be intense with Charles Gordon, Marcus McCauley and Benny Sapp all vying for the job. Gordon finished last season in that role but he could be pushed by McCauley. ... The starting linebacker jobs are set with Chad Greenway, E.J. Henderson and Ben Leber returning. But the backup jobs aren't locked down. Free agent addition Derrick Pope would seem a good bet to win a job, in part because he can play on special teams. Heath Farwell and Vinny Ciurciu also have established themselves as top-notch special-teams players. Behind them the battle will include Rufus Alexander, Erin Henderson, David Herron and J Leman.
ROOKIE REPORT: Second-round S Tyrell Johnson was working with the second team at safety. The Vikings coaches like Johnson's tackling ability and he likely will see plenty of time on special teams. ... Fifth-round QB John David Booty is battling Brooks Bollinger for the No. 3 job. Booty has some experience in the West Coast offense but admits he has plenty to learn. ... Fifth-round DT Letroy Guion will have to fight for a roster spot. The Vikings like his ability but Guion is very raw and might be a guy they try to sneak through to the practice squad. ... Sixth-round C John Sullivan is backing up veteran Matt Birk and also serving as the right guard on the third team. That versatility is extremely valuable and could win him a spot on the game-day roster this season. ... Sixth-round WR Jaymar Johnson made some impressive catches early in camp and also spent time auditioning for a role as a return man. ... Free-agent LB Erin Henderson, brother of Vikings starting middle LB E.J. Henderson, is attempting to win a roster spot at one of the Vikings' deepest positions.
INJURY REPORT: DE Ray Edwards opened camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list and there is no set timetable for his return.
DT Pat Williams was held out of 11-on-11 work early in camp as a precaution after having offseason surgery on his left elbow. Williams said he was "day-to-day" and he has been taking part in individual drills.
Play FOX FANTASY FOOTBALL TODAY!