Training Camp Diary: August 15

Welcome to the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Diary! Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Vikings’ training camp practice on August 15 in an easy-to-read bullet form.

Mystery solved! Injury updates

• We finally know why Everson Griffen has been absent from practice this week thanks to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune. He still has a chance to play on Saturday, but it’s unlikely he’ll suit up.

• Brian Robison has been filling in at first-team DE during Griffen’s absence.
• Rashod Hill (ankle) was back at practice today after missing yesterday’s session due to a rolled ankle that he suffered Monday. He did not take part in either practice session.
• Jalyn Holmes (undisclosed) and Tashawn Bower (knee) were both present for morning the walk-through. Bower still has a wrap on his right knee. Neither participated in the padded portion of practice with Jacksonville. Stacy Coley (leg) and Brandon Zylstra (hamstring) were also held out.
• Mike Remmers (ankle) was in pads for the afternoon practice but did not do much as he’s being eased back into action.
• Running back Mack Brown (leg) returned to the field this morning. He suffered an injury during the game in Denver. He took part in the AM walk-through but did not suit up for the afternoon practice.
• Tight end Josiah Price was carted off the field during the mixed portion of practice with Jacksonville. No word yet on his status.

Bring on Jacksonville

• Tight end Tyler Conklin spent some time with the first-team offense during 2 TE sets in the morning walk-through. He went on to shine in the afternoon practice as he got open with ease and showed off a surprising burst of speed.
• The solid play of Vikings rookie cornerback Mike Hughes carried over into today’s practice.

• As did the play of running back Roc Thomas.

• Stefon Diggs and Harrison Smith stood out all day. Diggs left a Jaguars DB in the dust with a route that would make a cheetah jealous. The defender’s feet were so tangled his momentum carried him towards the sideline as Diggs (already 10 yards away) caught the pass on a post route running in the opposite direction. Smith was equally impressive, nearly picking off two passes in red zone drills.
• Also making the day tough on Blake Bortles were Anthony Barr and Terence Newman. Each made plays on Jacksonville’s quarterback with Barr swatting down a pass and Newman collecting an interception.
• Trevor Siemian had a bounce-back day. He made a couple beautiful throws and seemed to embrace playing against a different defense.
• Brian O’Neill held his own against the monstrous Calais Campbell.

• Jake Wieneke made an impressive leaping catch on a pass from Kyle Sloter. No doubt it would have gone for six. Well, probably.

Reflection

• The atmosphere at the Vikings practice facility with the Jaguars also present was electric. A SKOL chant broke out in the crowd, there were national media swarming around like bees, and the energy was off the charts. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes an annual tradition in Eagan.
• I’ll leave you with this comical moment from the sidelines that made my day.