Vikings Training Camp Diary: July 30-31
Welcome to the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Diary! Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Vikings’ training camp practices on July 30 and July 31 in an easy-to-read bullet form.
July 30
- Laquon Treadwell shined throughout Monday’s practice, particularly in red zone drills. According to Daniel House’s notebook over at Vikings Corner, “He started the day by smoothly cutting out of his break to make a tip-toe grab on the sidelines vs. Terence Newman. He was gaining separation in the drills against Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and Xavier Rhodes, too. In fact, his most notable rep came during the red zone 7-on-7 drill. He ran a beautiful corner route to the back of the end zone. Treadwell was able to gain separation at the stem with a little physicality to make the contested grab.” Below is a video of Treadwell’s catch in the end zone against Rhodes.
Laquon Treadwell with his best catch of camp. #Vikings pic.twitter.com/3RMwsDemlf
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) July 30, 2018
- Mike Boone has impressed with his change-of-direction and acceleration traits. He was known for his explosiveness at Cincinnati and it is showing in Eagan. The job for the third running back is open and, with a solid preseason, Boone could earn a roster spot.
- Rashod Hill was not in pads for the afternoon practice while recovering from an illness. Pat Elflein (ankle, shoulder rehab) and Stacy Coley (groin) also did not dress in pads.
- Marcus Sherels recorded his second interception in as many days, jumping another slant route and picking off a pass from Kyle Sloter. It appears as if Sherels is making several plays in the secondary with many questioning his spot on the 53-man roster.
All Marcus Sherels does is pick off Training Camp passes! Snags a Sloter slant for the second straight session.
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) July 30, 2018
- Both Kai Forbath and Daniel Carlson were a perfect 5-for-5 in the special teams portion of practice.
- Rookie tackle Brian O’Neill stepped in at right tackle for Hill along the first-team offensive line in 11-on-11 drills while also serving his role on the second team.
- Anthony Barr continues to hang around the defensive line group as if he is bound to rush quarterbacks this season.
— Luke Inman (@Luke_Spinman) July 30, 2018
- Mike Hughes continues to receive high praise for his ability to hold his own against the likes of Thielen and Diggs out of the slot. Mackensie Alexander and Hughes could be in a real battle for the nickel cornerback role this season, and the loser of that battle will probably be the most talented cornerback in the NFL not playing consistent snaps.
July 31
- The biggest headline from Tuesday’s practice is the injury to starting offensive lineman Mike Remmers. The use of a golf cart and a walking boot is not an encouraging sign for Remmers.
Remmers came out of the trainers room without his pads on and has a boot on what I believe is his left leg. Just got on a golf cart with someone and left the practice area.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) July 31, 2018
- Rashod Hill returned to full practice Tuesday after recovering from an illness. Stacy Coley remained sidelined with a groin injury that has kept him out of every practice thus far.
- Daniel Carlson missed a 36-yard field goal in the special teams portion of practice. Missing wide left has been an issue for him in camp, according to Chris Tomasson. This should end well.
Daniel Carlson wide left on 36 yd FG attempt Has had some camp issues on being wide left
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 31, 2018
- Fresh off a brand new five-year contract extension, Stefon Diggs returned to the practice field Tuesday the same player he was before he became $72 million richer.
Cousins deep to Diggs on a free play over Horace Richardson pic.twitter.com/tJA8ri2fDb
— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) July 31, 2018
- Mackensie Alexander reportedly intercepted a pass from Kirk Cousins that was underthrown, countering the terrific start Mike Hughes has put together in their battle for the nickel cornerback job.
- Diggs and general manager Rick Spielman addressed the media following the afternoon practice to discuss Diggs’s contract extension.
?: @stefondiggs and GM Rick Spielman take the podium after #VikingsCamp. https://t.co/LAFXzt8AS8
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 31, 2018
NOTE: The Vikings are off on Wednesday and will return to the practice field on Thursday. I will be out at the field on Thursday and have a first-hand review of practice for the next edition of the training camp diary.