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The Minnesota Vikings still haven't identified their starting strong safety for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams (though it looks like Robert Blanton is in the lead for the spot). But in the meantime, they're trying to cross-train another one of their defensive backs to play multiple positions.

Cornerback Shaun Prater has been working with the Vikings' safeties in addition to his work as a cornerback (both on the outside and in the slot). Coach Mike Zimmer had discussed trying Prater at the position, calling him a "tough, feisty kid who can do a lot of jobs," and Prater -- who played for Zimmer in Cincinnati -- is getting a chance to show he can contribute in several different ways.

"He’s been playing safety on the scout team so I thought I’d just give him some drills there," Zimmer said. "Honestly, we’re trying to see what guys can do and how many guys you might need at emergency safety, and he’s got to know what to do when you go in there."

As Zimmer said, Nate Clements played both cornerback and safety for him in Cincinnati, and the Vikings are building a group of defensive backs who can move to different positions. Blanton and Antone Exum are converted corners, and Prater could be an option at some point if the Vikings aren't happy with their safety options next to Harrison Smith. Zimmer prizes flexibility among his defensive players, and Prater -- who is still buried on the depth chart at cornerback -- could help himself by showing some of it.

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