Return problems

 

One of the glaring concerns right now for the Vikings is their return specialist. Koren Robinson went to the Pro Bowl last season as a kickoff returner. But his future is in doubt, and his veteran backup, Mewelde Moore, is sidelined with a knee injury.

Last week, on the final days of training camp at Minnesota State Mankato, I was horrified with the guys lining up for returns. Travis Taylor is as solid a receiver as there is, with excellent hands. But he returned punts like someone who last did it consistently in high school.

Today, cornerback Ronyell Whitaker fielded some kickoff returns, an indication that the Vikings are preparing in the event bubble players such as Jason Carter and Kevin Kasper don't make the final roster.

Darren Sharper also has been spotted sporadically fielding punts throughout this preseason.

"That's why you see some of the veterans out there catching balls during practice," special-teams coach Paul Ferraro said. "You always have to have those guys ready. You have to have three ready in punt return and in kickoff return. If something happens to the first guy, obviously the No. 2 guy is in there; and if for some reason something happens to him, you have to have a third guy. So that's why we've had multiple guys catching kicks."

Perhaps the Vikings can scour the waiver wires for someone to fill that void. But right now, the in-house options are not overwhelming.