--Drew Radovich has bypassed Chase Johnson and is getting reps with the second team at left tackle. Radovich, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Southern Cal, also has been getting reps with third unit at right tackle.

--S Tyrell Johnson, the Vikings' second-round choice in April, started along with Darren Sharper in the preseason opener. Newcomer Madieu Williams did not play after experiencing neck spasm. That enabled Johnson to get work with the first- and second-team defense.

--LB Erin Henderson, an undrafted rookie free agent and the brother of Vikings starting middle linebacker E.J. Henderson, had five tackles, including one for a loss, in his first game against Seattle.

--LB Heath Farwell was believed to have torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Seattle and likely will miss the season. Farwell was not only a special teams standout - he's been the team MVP of that unit the past two seasons - but also was competing for one of the primary backup jobs at linebacker.

--S Michael Boulware, signed as a free agent from Houston during the offseason, has been playing with the third team behind second-team safeties Tyrell Johnson and Eric Frampton.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Aundrae Allison and Jaymar Johnson, among others, for the punt-return job - The competition for this spot is wide open and a player like Johnson could win a job based on his ability to return punts. Allison, one of the Vikings' primary kickoff return men last season, and Johnson both got opportunities to return punts in the Vikings' preseason opener against Seattle. Allison returned two for 6 yards and Johnson went 23 yards on his return. The coaching staff likely will continue to look at players for this role throughout much of camp.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Charles Gordon seems to be the front-runner to win the nickel spot ahead of Benny Sapp and Marcus McCauley. McCauley fell behind in part because of a knee injury he suffered July 31 in a joint practice against Kansas City. Gordon finished last season playing inside in the nickel. ... Rookie quarterback John David Booty appears to have pulled ahead of Brooks Bollinger in the competition for the No. 3 job. When Gus Frerotte missed a recent practice because of a sore back, Booty worked with the second team. Booty also got a much longer look in the preseason opener against Seattle. He did not overwhelm, completing nine of 18 passes for 82 yards with an interception and lost fumble. He also was sacked twice. ... Derrick Pope, Vinny Ciurciu, Rufus Alexander, Erin Henderson, David Herron and J Leman continue to keep for the backup linebacker spots. Heath Farwell, who was vying for one of the top backup spots but already had the roster made because of his abilities on special teams, was lost after suffering a knee injury against the Seahawks. Pope and Ciurciu both have extensive experience on special teams. ... Jaymar Johnson, undrafted rookie free agent Darius Reynaud and Martin Nance are in the mix for the final receiver spot. It's unclear how many players the Vikings will keep at this position.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: DE Jared Allen - The Pro Bowl end has proven why he's one of the NFL's best at his position. Even in practice Allen maintains a high-tempo approach and gives a full effort whether he's going against starting left tackle Bryant McKinnie or a third-teamer like Chase Johnson. Allen has made life especially difficult for Johnson and undrafted free-agent Drew Radovich.

ROOKIE REPORT: Second-round safety Tyrell Johnson continues to work with the second team at safety. Johnson, however, got the start against Seattle after Madieu Williams had neck spasms. Johnson got extensive work in the game, playing with the first and second teams. ... Fifth-round quarterback John David Booty is battling Brooks Bollinger for the No. 3 job. Booty saw most of the action in the second half against Seattle but completed only nine of 18 passes for 82 yards. He also had one pass intercepted and lost a fumble. ... Fifth-round defensive tackle Letroy Guion is fighting for a roster spot. Guion is raw and might be a guy they try to sneak through to the practice squad. ... Sixth-round center 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 wide receiver Jaymar Johnson remains in the mix for punt and kick returns. He had a 23-yard punt return against Seattle. ... Free-agent linebacker Erin Henderson had a solid preseason debut against Seattle. He had five tackles, including one for a loss. ... Free-agent offensive lineman Drew Radovich has been working with the second team at left tackle. His ability to play both tackle spots could earn him a spot on the 53-man roster.

INJURY REPORT: CB Marcus McCauley has been out since suffering a knee injury July 31 in a joint-practice against Kansas City. ... TE Garrett Mills hasn't practiced since suffering a sprained ankle early in training camp. ... DE Brian Robison will miss about two weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a varicose vein from his left leg. ... LB Heath Farwell was believed to have suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the preseason opener against Seattle. The injury would keep him out for the season.