Vikings notes
Tice looking for end to stupid penalties
Turnovers and poor pass defense have been the biggest culprits in the Minnesota Vikings' second consecutive 0-2 start.
But they haven't exactly helped themselves with penalties. In two games, they've had 16 of them for 117 yards.
"I'm OK with penalties as long as they're not ... in the wrong situation," coach Mike Tice said. "We've got to eliminate the penalties that aren't very bright. Sometimes an offensive lineman's going to get called for holding. Sometimes a guy is going to get called for an illegal chuck on defense. Those things are going to happen. The silly penalties I can't stomach."
Laces out
Gary Anderson's biggest concern this week wasn't getting his leg back into kicking shape. It was making sure Kyle Richardson was holding the ball right for him.
The Vikings gathered Anderson, Richardson and long snapper Brody Liddiard on Tuesday afternoon for a little practice, and Anderson was thrilled with the way it went.
"I have had a lot of different holders," said Anderson, signed this week to replace Doug Brien on extra points and short- to medium-range field goals. "Every kicker likes the ball held slightly diffferently. It took him all of a couple of minutes to learn how I like it."
Richardson was pleased to hear of his appraisal.
"We'll be fine," Richardson said. "Gary is pretty simple. There's not too much adjustment to make."
Brien will continue to handle kickoffs and long field goals.
Injury report
There was no change Thursday in the status of any of Minnesota's injured players. Offensive lineman Everett Lindsay (back) will play half the snaps at left tackle, rotating with Lewis Kelly. TE Byron Chamberlain (knee) has been limited in practice, and he'll probably be a game-time decision. LB Patrick Chukwurah's chest injury has also lingered this week.
Wide receiver Nick Davis, whose pulled hamstring has cost him a chance to return punts and kickoffs, seems to have also caused some consternation with his head coach by not fully revealing the severity of his injury. Davis is listed as questionable.