Campbell Out, Koren In

The Vikings made a difficult decision Tuesday, releasing veteran Kelly Campbell in order to officially sign Koren Robinson.

There was plenty of speculation when training camp opened that the Vikings were going to likely release either Keenan Howry or Kelly Campbell. With the additions of Travis Taylor and Troy Williamson, it was believed that, among the training camp battles to be waged, one of those two would likely go.

That sentiment got more credence early on when Campbell went down with a quadriceps injury that kept him off the playing field and practice field all preseason. But, when the final 53-man rosters came out, both Howry and Campbell were on the roster and it appeared a bullet had been dodged.

That was until Tuesday. The Vikings announced the signing of former first-round pick Koren Robinson and, to make room for him on the roster, the team released Campbell.

It's likely Campbell won't stay on the open market too long and all of us at VU wish him the best. He was a popular teammate who will be missed -- but Tuesday's signing is just more evidence that the NFL is a business and not about keeping your buddies around.

WEDNESDAY NOTES
* The Vikings are advising fans to expect delays entering Sunday's game, as the team begins pat-searching fans like the security are police officers. Some have speculated time could be saved by using metal detectors, but the process, while a bit demeaning, is seen as necessary by the league.
* Robinson isn't expected to see action Sunday, but his first role is likely as the team's new kickoff return man.
* The Vikings worked out veteran punters Tom Rouen, Chris Mohr and Michah Knorr, but intend to stick with rookie Chris Kluwe for Week 1.