EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph is on track to play in the season opener, less than a month after he was shot in the leg.

Joseph spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time since a stray bullet during an Aug. 9 nightclub disturbance struck him in the left calf. Joseph has been wearing a protective sleeve over the muscle and working out on the side, but he said he'll be ready to practice at full speed next week. The Vikings play Sept. 7 at St. Louis.

The final exhibition game is Thursday at Tennessee, but Joseph will be held out of that.

The 25-year-old Joseph signed with Vikings this season as a free agent.

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