After the Vikings shipped Darius Reynaud to the Giants, the defending NFC North champions had a void to fill at the position of punt returner.
In the past, the Vikings have used a starting receiver to return punts on a cameo basis, with Randy Moss and Anthony Carter providing high rewards in exchange for the corresponding injury risk.
The Vikings will start the 2010 season with a starting receiver serving as the full-time punt returner.
Coach Brad Childress said Tuesday that the job goes to Bernard Berrian. Two other receivers -- Greg Camarillo and Percy Harvin -- also are in the mix, along with cornerback Asher Allen.
Berrian has returned 21 regular-season punts in his career. In 2008, he converted one of seven opportunities into an 82-yard touchdown.