Image courtesy of Vikings.com
Seems like the Minnesota Vikings just started this year’s training camp in Mankato, Minnesota, yet they are about to begin their sixth day of work already. In a little over a week, the Vikings will head to Cincinnati to play the Bengals in their first preseason game of 2016.
Here at Vikings Territory, we have got you covered for the latest from Mankato. So find somewhere comfortable to sit and enjoy some football this morning.
10:30am – The Vikings have already announced that their walk-thru will start a little later today due to some weather issues and begin around 10:45am.
10:35am – A little minor news to talk about this morning before the team hits the field. With Phil Loadholt now retired, new Vikings offensive tackle Andre Smith has switched his number from 72 to 71 (Loadholt’s previous number).
10:45am – Minnesota’s players are now on the field and just about ready to begin their walk-thru this morning. Running back Jerick McKinnon, who sat out yesterday’s walk-thru and practice with an injury, is back on the field in Mankato today.
10:50am – Things are beginning to be a little more concrete on the offensive line at the right tackle spot while another one of Minnesota’s offensive playmakers in Cordarrelle Patterson is also participating in today’s walk-thru. This is the first time Patterson has been involved in the team’s walk-thru since he injured his shoulder during the team’s very first camp practice.
11:00am – Minnesota may be settled on Andre Smith as their starting right tackle, but the battle for the starting center spot is still continuing between John Sullivan and Joe Berger.
11:05am – A return to the field has put Patterson right back in the wide receiver mix. He still has a lot of ground to make up with the time he missed, but he and the Vikings are lucky that his injury was not too serious.
11:10am – A team’s walk-thru is not known for being the most exciting part of camp, but rookie tight end David Morgan is doing his best to keep the camp crowd somewhat entertained this morning.
11:15am – If training camp is any indication, expect McKinnon to see a lot more time on the field in long third down situations. His pass catching abilities give him an edge over Adrian Peterson in these instances.
11:25am – Defensive end Danielle Hunter should have some more opportunities this year to chase down opposing quarterbacks. Coming off a rookie season where he was still considered “raw”, a full offseason with the team could help Hunter turn into the Vikings next great pass rusher.
11:30am – Today’s walk-thru is just about over as the team is finishing off with some work on special teams. Practice is scheduled to begin around 2:45pm CT today. Eyes will be closely watching Patterson to see how he does if the team decides to let him practice today.