EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — All of Charles Woodson's 18 NFL seasons have featured home games by a bay, but he seems to be drinking from the fountain of youth.
San Francisco Bay for the first eight as a member of the Oakland Raiders, followed by Green Bay for seven as a member of the Packers, and back to the Bay Area for the past three as a safety instead of at cornerback.
The 39-year-old defensive back is tied for the NFL lead with five interceptions.
Adrian Peterson turned 30 this offseason but leads the NFL with 758 rushing yards. He has been in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nine seasons, but wants to drink from a similar fountain.
"He's a player I've always looked up to and admired," Peterson said. "Just to see him doing it for so long at a high level. I guess people were wrong when they put the age factor on him. It's guys like him I look at and, even though it's different positions, you can do this game. It's all about taking care of your body at a high level and most importantly, believing you can do it and getting it done."
The Vikings have their own age-defying defensive back in 37-year-old Terence Newman, who like Woodson, was selected in the first round but has remained a cornerback. Both also have played nickel in their careers.
Woodson has 65 career interceptions, the most among active players, and Newman has 37 (tied for third-most among players in the league). Woodson is one of three players still active from the 1998 NFL Draft, along with quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Matthew Hasselbeck.
"I can't speak for (Woodson), but I know he still runs good," Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer told beat writers Thursday. "He's active."
Peterson has said he wants to play into his late 30s as he aims to top Emmitt Smith as the league's all-time leading rusher (18,355 yards in 15 seasons). Peterson has 10,948 career rushing yards and needs 20 to pass Warrick Dunn for 21st all-time.
The running back also said he's focused more on whatever it takes to help the Vikings (6-2) continue winning games. Minnesota will take a four-game win streak to Oakland (4-4).
First rounder fills in: Speaking of first-round picks, Vikings CB Trae Waynes was pressed into extensive action for the second time this season on Sunday against the Rams when he filled in for Newman, who suffered a concussion when he was inadvertently kicked during a hurdle attempt by Todd Gurley.
Waynes also replaced Xavier Rhodes against San Diego.
Vikings Defensive Coordinator George Edwards said, "I thought (Waynes) did some good things [against the Rams].
"I think he's continuing to get better; he's paying attention to the details," Edwards said. "I think he's got a lot better feel for what it is we're asking out of him, just look forward to him continuing to get better as we move down the road."
Waynes also has excelled on special teams as a gunner and blocker. He's recorded a team-best six stops while covering kickoffs and punts. The Vikings have only allowed 67 yards on 14 punt returns this season (4.8 per return, which ranks fourth in the NFL).
QB status?: There have been plenty of **comparisons** between Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr that will continue until the Vikings visit the Raiders at 3:05 p.m. Sunday and beyond their first regular season matchup.
Bridgewater has been in the NFL's independent concussion protocol since suffering a hit to the helmet by Rams DB Lamarcus Joyner. Zimmer told beat writers that Bridgewater "practiced all good today" but did not state whether Bridgewater has cleared the protocol. Bridgewater and Newman were listed as full participants Thursday after being limited Wednesday.
LBs too?: Eyes have been on linebackers Anthony Barr (hand) and Eric Kendricks (ribs) this week as they recover from injuries. Barr and Kendricks did not practice for the second day in a row.
"They should be good," Zimmer said. "We're just being careful with them. I think [they'll be able to play]. We'll see."
Kendricks missed the game against St. Louis, and Barr was injured during the game. The Vikings lost Audie Cole, who started in place of Kendricks, to a season-ending ankle injury against the Rams. After Cole went down, Chad Greenway took snaps at middle linebacker for the **first time ever**.
Minnesota **signed veteran free agent** Jason Trusnik this week. Zimmer said the Vikings might work with Trusnik at middle linebacker first, but "he's played all" three linebacker positions and special teams.
Injury reports: For the Vikings: Marcus Sherels (shoulder), Sharrif Floyd (knee/ankle), Linval Joseph (foot) and Justin Trattou (foot) also were limited. Brian Robison (ankle) was listed as a full participant for the second straight day. Cordarrelle Patterson (shoulder) was added to the report Thursday as a limited participant.
For the Raiders: C Rodney Hudson and LB Neiron Ball did not participate Thursday, missing a second straight day. RB Latavius Murray was listed as a limited participant. Woodson, WR Amari Cooper, DB TJ Carrie (hip) and TE Clive Walford (quad) fully participated Thursday.
