Visanthe Shiancoe

Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe created a minor stir this week when he tweeted about the fact he was working out with free-agent running back Brian Westbrook.

Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett also has been participating in the workouts -- it's not exactly uncommon for players from various teams to train together -- but there long has been a feeling the Vikings might have interest in Westbrook and the link to Shiancoe created some speculation.

The tie-in between the Vikings and Westbrook stems from the fact coach Brad Childress knows Westbrook from their time together in Philadelphia when Childress was the Eagles' offensive coordinator. Minnesota also lost valuable backup Chester Taylor to Chicago in free agency and at one point was considered to be in the market for help at running back.

However, the reality is the Vikings have expressed no known interest in Westbrook and drafted Toby Gerhart in the second round of this year's draft. The Vikings also recently signed veteran running back Ryan Moats, who also played with the Eagles when Childress was in Philadelphia. Then there is the fact that Adrian Peterson remains the team's top back.

Westbrook, who battled concussion problems last season and also has dealt with knee and ankle injuries, has received interest from St. Louis and Washington.

Shiancoe, though, wrote that he thought Westbrook could help the Vikings when asked about the running back during a chat Friday on NFL.com.

"We work out five days a week, and I know he definitely has it in him," Shiancoe said. "He's indicated to me this is the first time he's been able to workout at 100 percent without having to worry about previous injuries. He's working hard, and it looks like he's in camp shape. His route running would definitely help our offense."

Shiancoe is not afraid to offer his opinion, but at the moment the Vikings don't seem inclined to sign Westbrook. Westbrook could help fantasy squads if he lands with the right team.