Vikings gain confidence in Dede Westbrook as a receiver and punt returner

Vikings receiver Dede WestbrookReceiver Dede Westbrook didn't play in the Vikings preseason, but the former Jaguars starter has been building trust among the coaching staff as he's ramped up his workload during practices the past couple weeks.

Westbrook, who signed in July before training camp, has been working with the first-team offense and quarterback Kirk Cousins in practices. He's drawn strong reviews while running routes on his surgically-repaired left knee, which required ACL surgery last October and sidelined him from early camp practices and the entire preseason.

"They've been getting him in practice the last couple weeks," coordinator Klint Kubiak said. "He's gotten some live reps…