Vikings pump the brakes on talks about starting Trae Waynes

The back-and-forth on rookie defensive back Trae Waynes continued Monday when Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer clarified comments made by defensive coordinator George Edwards.

Last week, Edwards,via Pro Football Talk, said "That's what we're aiming for," when asked if Waynes could possibly start Week 1 against the 49ers.

Zimmer took the reins on that issue Monday, saying Edwards' comment was misinterpreted.

If Waynes doesn't start opposite of Xavier Rhodes, the job will probably wind up in the hands of 37-year-old Terence Newman.

Zimmer did agree that Waynes' performance against the Cowboys on Saturday was his best game of the preseason, according Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune.

Per Rhodes, in a conversation with the Star Tribune, the biggest challenge for Waynes has been keeping his hands off receivers after five yards. In college, defensive backs are allowed to chip at receivers more than they are in the NFL.

Waynes has one more preseason game and two weeks of practice to earn the starting job.