Charles

Gordon

Moore has a lot of talent, he’s just never been able to find the playing time. His release would clear a spot for Ciatrick Fason as the third RB. Moore rushed seven times for 24 yards.

McCauley, a third-round pick from Fresno State, ran outside while Antoine Winfield manned the slot. Also in the mix for nickel duties are Charles Gordon and Devonte Edwards, but McCauley has the best natural skill set.

Gordon fractured his fibula, dislocated his ankle, and suffered ligament damage in November. He’s a good bet to start the season on the PUP list if the Vikings decide to keep him around for another year.

Gordon is 25 and was only due $535,000, but obviously had trouble coming back from a compound fibula fracture he sustained in November of 2008. It’s a similar injury to the one that’s all but ruined former Texans third-round pick Charles Spencer’s career. Gordon had the look of an eventual starter as recently as 2007, but his future in the league is now very uncertain.

Johnson has the speed and agility to be more than just the in-the-box safety he was in college. The nickel was a trouble spot for Minnesota last season, with Marcus McCauley and Charles Gordon both failing to nail the job down.

Possible fourth WR Aundrae Allison and CB Charles Gordon will be his main competition, though Bernard Berrian could also get a look. In terms of pure speed, Allison is the fastest of the group. Wade has the most experience.

It’s for the minimum plus a $100,000 signing bonus. Sapp is strictly a sub-package corner, but adds competition for Marcus McCauley after McCauley’s up-and-down rookie year. Charles Gordon needs to be on his toes now, too.

Gordon’s foot was pointing the wrong direction as he lay on the ground after being tackled on a punt return and coach Brad Childress said after the game that he’ll need a pin inserted into his leg. Aundrae Allison will replace Gordon on punts, but the Vikings will miss him most as a nickel back.

Gordon was carted off the field after suffering what appeared to a major leg injury while returning a punt. His season looks over, leaving the Vikings without their nickel back and return man.