An Update From The Chillster

Brad Childress held a press conference this afternoon, which began with the Vikings coach “jokingly” (Viking beat writer Judd Zulgad’s word) running through a list of anticipated questions, then telling the assembled press they couldn’t have anything else to ask. This is supposedly more evidence of the less uptight Childress we’re going to see this year. Childress himself had this to say about his improvements in the public relations department:

"They don’t give you a manual when they say you’re a head coach. There will still be some surprises but I feel better equipped to handle that."

That’s good news Chilly – cause you really were a tight-ass last year. There were times when I honestly thought your head might explode from all the built-up pressure.

Childress continued his presser by addressing several matters concerning the team. One was the physically unable to perform or PUP list. We all anticipated Erasmus James, who is still coming back from knee surgery, being placed on the list; we did not however expect Bryant McKinnie and Billy McMullen to end up there. Childress said both McKinnie and McMullen have “muscle strains” in their “lower extremities,” hence their inclusion on the PUP list. No timetable was given for when any of the three deactivated players will be ready to take the practice field.

McKinnie’s injury means Artis Hicks will move from right guard to left tackle, giving Anthony Herrera more work with the first team at right guard. This could be a great opportunity for Herrera, who’s been spoken of this off-season as a guy who might reach up and snatch a starting job if given a chance.

On the unsigned draft-picks front, Childress had nothing new to report. Negotiations are on-going with both Sidney Rice and Adrian Peterson. Chilly says he is updated “almost hourly” on the situation. Must be a pain, being woken up several times in the middle of the night to hear Adrian and Sidney are still sleeping. But you have to admire Chilly’s commitment at least.