Vikings day at camp: Aug. 4

Dispatches from Mankato:

By Master Tesfatsion, Star Tribune

August 5, 2014 — 6:41am

Camp snapshot

A few ominous clouds rolled over Mankato, but it was a dry Monday afternoon practice following an off day on Sunday for the Vikings. The windy conditions played a factor during the punt return period, giving a few returners some trouble tracking the ball. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer spent time watching the secondary with newly acquired defensive back Chris Crocker participating in his first practice. Zimmer was very animated and gave feedback to nearly every cornerback and safety after each 1-on-1 rep.

Teddy Two Punts

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater received a flurry of first-team reps again, but his punting was the most impressive part of practice for the rookie. Bridgewater and Cassel each practiced a few pooch punts. While Cassel's punts barely sailed over the offensive line, Bridgewater pinned a few punts in play with good hangtime.

From the Podium

Safety Andrew Sendejo was activated off the physically unable to perform list and was a full participant in practice for the first time under Zimmer's tenure. While he's being eased in on defense, receiving third team reps in 11-on-11 periods, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer doesn't expect any sort of delay with his involvement on special teams as long as he is physically healthy.

"Very intelligent young man, I mean he is like a coach in our meetings," Priefer said. "He asks great questions, brings up great points and, like I have told you guys before, I've learned every single day from our players. … I want to learn from them too and it can help us get better, I am going to use it. He is one of those guys, that's the point I am making there."

Camp Chatter

"It was much better. I thought our energy was very, very good. I thought that we came out with a purpose and a focus. … Our guys busted their rear ends out there at practice, and we did not make a ton of mistakes. I thought that it was one of the better practices that we have had this year."

— Zimmer on Saturday night's practice.

Injury report

• CB Josh Robinson (hamstring) returned to practice after sitting out of Saturday night's practice. LB Brandon Watts (hamstring) also returned to practice.

• OT Antonio Richardson (leg) left practice after he was rolled up during an 11-on-11 period. He walked off the field on his and left practice limping with his left pant leg folded up.

• TE AC Leonard (headache) underwent more tests, but Zimmer said he does not have a concussion.

• TE Chase Ford (foot) removed the walking boot but was not activated off the PUP and did not practice.