“I feel good,” McCauley said. “My teammates are out there, I want to be out there, too.”

McCauley had missed practice time with a knee injury. Mills had been out with an ankle injury. Both have participated in all of the practices this week.

“It’s been tough, I like being out there,” Mills said. “I’ve been able to stay with it, get the mental reps. I’m not (100 percent), I still have a ways to go. Hopefully soon.”

McKinnie report speculation
According a story on the Star Tribune Web site Thursday, a spokesperson for the NFL said a report by Sirius NFL Radio that Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie is likely to be suspended for four games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy is speculation. The spokesman said no announcement has been made.

McKinnie could suffer disciplinary action by the NFL as a repeat offender of the league’s conduct policy in the near future. He met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in early June.

A Vikings official said the team can’t comment on the matter and that any statement would have to come from the NFL.

Notes
Center Matt Birk returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday with a stomach virus. ... Thursday was Fan Appreciation Day, with an all-squad autograph session following the morning practice. An estimated 2,000 fans attended, which was the largest day crowd of training camp. Childress spent about 20 minutes more than the players signing autographs. ... Marcus Johnson (knee), Kenderick Allen (wrist), Brian Robison (leg), Drew Radovich (shoulder) and Madieu Williams (neck) all missed practice Thursday.