Minnesota Vikings: Five OTHER Players Fans Should Be Concerned About

Much of the talk has been about whether or not Brett Favre is retiring (again) or returning to the Vikings for a second season.

In all of this hype there are other issues that Vikings' fans should be concerned.

Let's start with the defense:

If the 18th ranked defense against the pass in 2009 is going to improve, they will need to get corner backs Benny Sapp and Cedric Griffin back on the practice field.

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier has ruled out Griffin for at least the season opener. Griffin, who is recovering from knee surgery, started all 16 games last season, led the Vikings with four interceptions.   

Without Griffin in the lineup it will be important for Sapp, who started seven games in place of an injured Antoine Winfield in 2009, to be prepared for the upcoming season.

Sapp has been held out of practice due to heat concerns.

For Winfield, who turned 32 this summer, this will be his 12th season in the NFL. After missing six games last year he appears to be on the downhill side of his career.

Looking at the offense:

Along with Favre, Pro-Bowl wide receiver Sidney Rice has not yet participated in training camp.

Although there is no timetable for Rice's return from a hip injury, he has indicated that he will play in the season opener on Sept. 9th in New Orleans.

Never mind that who will be slinging the football for the opener is still in doubt, if Rice doesn't get on the practice field soon it will be difficult for him to repeat his big-play, Pro-Bowl performance of 2009, where he had a 14.3 yard per reception average.

Rice led the Vikings in receptions (83), yards (1312) and was second on the team with eight touchdown catches.

If Favre does not return it will be even more crucial for Rice to develop some timing with Tavaris Jackson before the season starts.

Another concern has to be the absence of Percy Harvin.

Harvin has been excused from training camp for the death of his grandmother, and his return is unknown.

The 2009 Rookie of the Year quickly developed a special bond with Favre. From early on in the 2009 campaign it was obvious that Harvin was Favre's favorite target on third down.

Like Rice, Harvin will need to develop some chemistry with Jackson.  

Perhaps the biggest concern for Vike's fans should be Adrian Peterson.

Peterson has been held out of practices due to "tightness." On Friday he returned to the practice field, but was held out of contact drills.

This is exactly what Peterson needs—contact.

With seven fumbles during the regular season last year, the three-time Pro-Bowler should be getting as many touches in practice as possible.

With the loss of Chester Taylor, Peterson will need to become a factor in third down passing situations.

Although, second round draft choice, Toby Gerhart has been getting most of the reps in practice, the Vikings may not want to rely on the rookie to handle crucial third-down blocking schemes that takes time for players to learn and develop.

Peterson led the Vikings with 18 touchdowns in 2009.

His contribution will be critical to the success of the 2010 Vikings.

With, or without Favre, Peterson will need to step up his production in 2010 and reduce his turnovers for the Vikings to have any chance at making their way to the Super Bowl.