Back to work

After just one day off, the Vikings returned to the practice field today, with the opening of four more days of organized team activities.

As promised, cornerback Antoine Winfield is skipping these voluntary practices and defensive end Kenechi Udeze was sent home because of illness.

Darrion Scott lined up with the first team in Udeze's place at left defensive end and Winfield's absence allowed rookie Marcus McCauley to get some work with the starters at left cornerback.

"I think that's the great upside, probably the silver lining of Antoine not being here," coach Brad Childress said. "You can't put a premium on the turns that (McCauley's) getting out here vs. formations, motions, different route concepts. I think that's a great thing for him. He's done a good job."

Fifty Special Olympics athletes watched today's practice and participated afterward in a punt, pass and kick clinic.