Safety Valve: Vikings Turn To Veteran Crocker

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — One of the iffiest positions on Minnesota's roster is at strong safety. The question mark was big enough that the Vikings signed 12-year veteran Chris Crocker more than a week into training camp.

Crocker has had to work his way back into game shape, but he wasn't behind in the competition. That's because he's played in coach Mike Zimmer's defense for several seasons with Cincinnati.

Crocker has made clear he didn't come out of semi-retirement thinking he wouldn't be a starter anymore. He wasn't going to sign with just any team and have to start over with a new scheme, either.

After sitting out the team's first exhibition game, Crocker is on track to make his Vikings debut Saturday against Arizona.