Here in Eden Praire, Minn., the big story of the Vikings OTAs was that rehabbing stars Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin put on a show racing each other. More on that later. But the most surprising story? That was that cornerback Asher Allen decided to retire. At just 24 years old, Allen is calling it quits. Coach Leslie Frazier announced the news, saying it wasn’t for health reasons. It was just what Allen wanted. “I didn’t see that coming,” Frazier said. “But everybody has to make decisions that are the best for their family. … He came in my office last Thursday, talked about it and informed me of what he wanted to do.“ After the OTAs, I spoke with GM Rick […]

Judging by their final injury report of the week, the Vikings appear poised to face the Saints in Thursday night’s Kickoff Weekend shorthanded in the defensive backfield.

Chris Cook impressed during preseason, to the point he was considered the favorite to start opposite Antoine Winfield. Now, he’s out at least two weeks with a knee injury that leaves the Vikings’ secondary thin.

Another rookie who has landed a starting spot — at least for this week — is Vikings CB Chris Cook.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley has called the battle for starting spots along the 3-4 defensive line an “open competition,” fueling the idea that one of the team’s recent top five picks at defensive end — Glenn Dorsey or Tyson Jackson — could be sent to the bench.