By JEFF BAENEN Associated Press Writer

The Minnesota Vikings have signed kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd to a two-year contract. The deal was announced by the Vikings on Tuesday. It includes a signing bonus, but agent Frank Murtha declined to specify the amount. Lloyd handled kickoffs for the Carolina Panthers the last two seasons, leading the NFL with 30 touchbacks in 2008.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - The Minnesota Vikings have signed kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd.

MINNEAPOLIS - The medical overseer of the NFL's anti-steroid policy says other players tested positive for banned diuretics before two Minnesota Vikings in 2008 - but they were not punished.

The Vikings are conducting an offseason study of Adrian Peterson's fumbling problems. This comes after the Pro Bowl running back finished the season by fumbling twice in the Vikings' overtime loss to New Orleans in the NFC title game.

He also had a botched handoff exchange with Brett Favre deep in Saints territory late in the first half that resulted in a costly turnover. The quarterback was charged with the fumble but Peterson took responsibility.

While Brad Childress indicated the study remains in its early stages, the Vikings coach made it clear he isn't about to tell Peterson to make massive changes in his approach.

"I know there has been a lot said," Childress told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The Minnesota Vikings are apparently interested in signing free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson,...

MINNEAPOLIS - The attorney for two Minnesota Vikings challenging the NFL's anti-doping policy opened their closely watched trial Monday by accusing the league of failing to follow state law when it tested them for drugs two years ago and then decided to suspend them.

MINNEAPOLIS - More than a year after two Minnesota Vikings sued the NFL over its anti-doping procedures, the closely watched case heads to trial Monday with sports leagues worried the outcome will hurt their ability to enforce drug policies across the country.

On the second day of the NFL's free agent signing period, the Arizona Cardinals went the trade route to fill a big need. The Cardinals acquired safety Kerry Rhodes from the New York Jets on Saturday for a fourth-round pick in this year's draft and a seventh-rounder in 2011. Rhodes is expected to move into the starting spot opposite All-Pro Adrian Wilson that was vacated when Antrel Rolle, a...

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress paid a visit to Brett Favre at his Hattiesburg, Miss., home this week to check how his quarterback was recovering from injuries sustained in the NFC title game.

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress paid a visit to Brett Favre at his Hattiesburg, Miss., home this week to check how his quarterback was recovering from injuries sustained in the NFC title game. Childress traveled to Mississippi this week after the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The visit was first reported by The Star Tribune of Minneapolis.

ALAMEDA, Calif. - The Oakland Raiders re-signed free agent offensive lineman Khalif Barnes to a one-year contract on Friday.

Chester Taylor joined one of Minnesota's division rivals Friday, leaving the Vikings to find a replacement for their valuable, versatile backup running back. It was an unquestionable, though unsurprising, loss on the first day of the NFL's open market for the two-time defending NFC North champions.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Corey Williams is back at his favourite position, back in his favourite division and might get a chance to achieve one of his career goals.

Shortly after helping the Saints win the Super Bowl, Darren Sharper could be playing elsewhere.

Free agent running back Chester Taylor is visiting the Chicago Bears Friday but his former team, the Minnesota...

Brett Favre said Thursday he still hasn't decided whether he'll play again next season -- and doesn't expect to make an announcement anytime soon. Appearing on NBC's "The Tonight Show" on Thursday night, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback politely demurred when host Jay Leno asked for his thoughts on returning for 2010.

MINNEAPOLIS - Brett Favre says he still hasn't decided whether he'll play again next season.

MINNEAPOLIS - The NFL has lost a last-minute bid to have a federal court hear a lawsuit by two Minnesota Vikings facing suspension for using a banned substance.

How each of the 32 NFL teams are approaching Friday's opening of free agency with no salary cap: AFC BALTIMORE RAVENS Ravens don't intend to be thrifty. In quest to enhance roster, especially at wide receiver, Ravens expect to benefit from cost-cutting measures by other teams. "There will be some real good players that are going to get cut," general manager Ozzie Newsome said.