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His competition will be William Gay, A.J. Jefferson, and Greg Toler. Fleming is also expected to see some time at safety. Although neither is overly productive, it’s more likely that one of Jefferson or Gay lands the starting job. Arizona, like most teams, will run a ton of nickel to keep Fleming active on game days. His defensive usage will be determined in training camp.

Hoping to participate in OTAs this month and next, Toler is up to 198 pounds after gaining 11 pounds, mostly in his upper body. Toler is slated to battle William Gay, A.J. Jefferson and third-rounder Jamell Fleming for the starting job opposite Patrick Peterson.

The Cardinals chose to use Patrick Peterson on the speedy Torrey Smith and Jefferson on the physical Anquan Boldin. It didn’t work. Boldin went off for 145 yards a drew three pass interference calls in the end zone. Richard Marshall replaced Jefferson deep in the fourth quarter.

Gay will face competition from Greg Toler and rookie Jamell Fleming in training camp, but he’s getting the first crack. Arizona’s improved cornerback depth may bode poorly for incumbent A.J. Jefferson, who opened last season as the starting left corner opposite Patrick Peterson. Jefferson was benched by Week 9.

Jefferson is climbing back up after getting benched six games into last season. He’s fighting with William Gay and Greg Toler for the starting gig opposite Patrick Peterson. Rookie Jamell Fleming is also in the mix for snaps in this improved corner rotation.

Jefferson opened 2011 as a starter for Arizona, but was benched in Week 9 after getting consistently burned. The former undrafted free agent is still just 24, however, and boasts impressive athleticism to go along with his 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame. He could see heavy snaps opposite Chris Cook in Minnesota.

Cook suffered the injury on the opening series of the second half. He was immediately taken to the locker room for X-rays, and head coach Leslie Frazier confirmed after the game that Cook broke the wrist. Frazier added that he doesn’t have much in terms of a timetable for Cook’s return. “Sometimes you can cast it. I don’t know enough yet,” said Frazier. Cook had been playing at a high level this season, but it sounds like he’ll miss some time. A.J. Jefferson will replace him in the lineup.

Jefferson got the nod over Josh Robinson when Chris Cook went down with a broken right arm because the Vikings wanted to keep the rookie in the nickel package. “We like what A.J. is doing,” Williams said. “It’s a good fit for us. ... We like that rotation, we like the way we’re bringing Josh along in terms of the defense.”

Jefferson has been starting for Chris Cook (broken arm), who is ineligible to return from injured reserve until next week. Brandon Burton and Marcus Sherels will pick up snaps if Jefferson doesn’t clear concussion tests to play at St. Louis.

It’s good news for the Vikings, who won’t have to turn to Brandon Burton and Marcus Sherels opposite Antoine Winfield against the Rams. Chris Cook (broken arm, I.R./designated for return) is eligible to return in Week 16.