Vikings TE Shiancoe tries to get back on track

"By and large he has had a very good training camp," the coach said, adding: "They did a nice job putting a hat right on it, and he was a little loose with the handling. He will catch a lot more balls in that spot, and we expect him to hold on to them first and foremost."

During practice on Monday, Shiancoe appeared to be hanging onto the ball more tightly.

Has he cured himself of the problem?

"Time will tell," Childress said, smiling. "Time will tell."

His impact this year is also yet to be revealed. Shiancoe changed his diet and dropped some fat, showing up this summer with a leaner look. He made reception after reception during spring workouts. Childress praised him earlier in camp for being "more willing to push" through normal aches and pains. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said he's on that always-important "same page" with his tight end.

"He is making the big plays, making the hard catches," Jackson said. "I feel like it's night and day from last year to this year."