Vikings finding ways to cope with work stoppage

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - After a tumultuous 2010, the Minnesota Vikings are as eager for the next season as any NFL team.

Progress, however, has been slowed by the lockout that took effect Saturday. Coaches aren't allowed to contact players, and players can't use the team's facilities to start their offseason training.

Players are coping with the work stoppage in different ways, whether it's finding a new place to work out, brushing up on collective bargaining issues or simply trying to block out the uncertainty of not knowing which team they'll play for this year.

Vikings officials aren't commenting on the lockout or any related matters, but owner Zygi Wilf and president Mark Wilf co-signed a letter to season-ticket holders recently that promised to keep fans informed about the process.