With the release of Chris Crocker and placement of Jamarca Sanford on injured reserve, Blanton appears to have won the starting strong safety job.

Blanton was in competition with Crocker and Kurt Coleman for the starting job, but both were released. However, the Vikings have not made an official announcement.

Blanton started at strong safety in Thursday's preseason win over Tennessee, but it's not clear who will win the starting job, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It's not clear if Chris Crocker or Blanton will win the starting job as a decision isn't expected until shortly before Week 1.

Blanton (hamstring) had one tackle in Saturday's preseason win over Kansas City. While Chris Crocker started at strong safety, Blanton got time with the first-team defense, ESPN reports.

It sounds like the battle for the starting job has narrowed to Blanton and Crocker. Blanton showed he's healthy after missing two weeks during training camp with a sore hamstring.

Blanton (hamstring) returned to practice Monday, but worked behind Chris Crocker for reps with the first-team defense at strong safety, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Blanton may have been the leader for the starting safety role early in camp before his hamstring injury. He may have time to win the starting job if he can prove he's healthy in the final two preseaon games.

Blanton (hamstring) will not play in Saturday's preseason game, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Blanton may have been the leader for the starting safety role early in camp before his hamstring injury. However, he's likely losing out on the race due to missed time and his availability for Week 1 is uncertain.

Blanton is out indefinitely with a strained hamstring, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

He missed Saturday's practice and it sounds like he'll miss the team's first preseason game. Blanton was creating some buzz early in camp that he could compete for the starting strong safety role, but this could set him back in the competition for playing time.

Vikings S Robert Blanton (hamstring) has been sidelined since early in camp, and is uncertain for Friday's game against the Chargers.

"We are hoping that he can play in this ballgame on Friday night so we can get some tape on him and evaluate him in game situations," coach Leslie Frazier said. A physical run stopper, Blanton was in the mix for snaps heading into camp, but his roster spot will be up in the air if he misses his third straight game Friday.

Vikings signed fifth-round S Robert Blanton to a four-year contract.

The second of two Notre Dame safeties drafted by Minnesota, Blanton is a former cornerback with questionable speed. The Vikings believe he can be a hybrid safety/corner who can "match up on tight ends, can actually play in the middle of the field or play off the hash." He could push Mistral Raymond for the starting job opposite Harrison Smith.