MANKATO, Minn. — Free agent acquisition Andre Smith was back at right tackle with the first team for walk-through on Thursday for a second consecutive day.
The Vikings had been alternating days with Smith and T.J. Clemmings on first-team reps.
"I'm just going to work every day," Smith said when asked by the media if there was anything to read into it. "It's up to Coach Sparano and Coach Zimmer, whatever they want me to do."
Smith, the sixth pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by Cincinnati, joined the Vikings this offseason. Right tackle Phil Loadholt retired before training camp. Clemmings played all 16 games at right tackle in 2015 and is practicing at left and right tackle.
Smith officially switched jerseys on Thursday, donning a No. 71 in purple for the first time.
"It's a great honor," Smith said. "I've been wearing this number since high school, so it's great to have my number back."
The Alabama native said he likes the number because it is the same one that was worn by Tony Boselli, Willie Roaf, Walter Jones and other players that he liked to watch.
"The list can go on and on of guys that wore number 71," Smith said. "I watched them all growing up, so that's the number I always wanted. I take something from all of those guys' games and try to put it in mine."
Smith said he's enjoyed his first opportunities to block for Adrian Peterson, who practiced in pads for the first time Wednesday.
"He's fast. I've seen him play in person, but I've never blocked for him," Smith said, "Just to see how fast he is, is extremely impressive."
