Training camps are just about ready to fire up around the league, and the are ready to start preparation for what they hope will be a special year in the super-competitive NFC North. They believe could be David Kampf Jersey key in helping them achieve that goal, but they received a bout of bad news this week regarding the veteran nose tackle. The 28-year-old reportedly suffered a calf injury while training ahead of camp, per Ian Rapoport of , Chris Chelios Jersey and it's doubtful he'll be available when the Vikings begin practice in late July.The injury isn't expected to impact his availability for Week 1 against the though, Rapoport added.Pierce is working to return to the field after opting out of the 2020 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the Vikings are hoping it'll be sooner than later after signing him to a three- Alex DeBrincat Jersey year, $27 million deal last offseason. His absence last season was felt in a big way as the Vikings defense floundered to a very poor showing that acted as a ball and chain to what was a special year for , and rookie sensation . Mike Zimmer is counting Gustav Forsling Jersey on Pierce to be a key piece of the rebuilt defensive front in Minnesota, but until he can suit up in camp and beyond Henri Jokiharju Jersey , it'll be backup lineman taking reps along with rookie sixth-round pick and undrafted free agent -- the latter two working to survive roster cut-downs in late August.