"Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian became a brand name for big plays in 2008 when he scored three touchdowns of 80-plus yards, including a 99-yard reception that tied an NFL record.

Last year's arrival of Brett Favre, who has thrown for more yards and touchdowns than any quarterback in league history, figured to increase Berrian's downfield production and further elevate his profile.

Instead, Sidney Rice and rookie Percy Harvin emerged as Favre's go-to receivers while Berrian battled a hamstring injury that shortened his routes and limited his contribution to the Vikings' staunch passing attack.

Berrian's 618 receiving yards were his fewest since he was a second-year player for the Chicago Bears in 2004. After averaging 20.1 yards per reception in 2008, Berrian's production dipped to a career-low 11.2 yards in 2009.

His best game was his last, when Berrian hauled in nine passes from Favre for 102 yards in the NFC championship game loss at New Orleans.

With Harvin (death in family) and Rice (hip injury) missing most or all of training camp, Berrian is getting ample opportunity to demonstrate that his legs are healthy and showcase his playmaking ability.

Coaches said health was Berrian's only issue last year, and everyone expects a bounce-back season from him in 2010. "