Vikings Training Camp Diary: July 28

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Jul 28, 2019
Image courtesy of Vikings.com

Welcome to the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Diary! Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Vikings’ training camp practice on July 28 in an easy-to-read bullet form.

Injury updates

  • WR Jeff Badet (undisclosed) did not practice for the third consecutive day
  • DT Jalyn Holmes (leg) did not practice after leaving yesterday’s session with an injury
  • DT Linval Joseph (upper body) was in pads today but again was a limited participant in practice

Notables

  • According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP the Vikings reportedly have interest in free agent RB Theo Riddick who was released by the Detroit Lions on Saturday
  • Sunday’s practice was the team’s first in pads
  • DT Armon Watts was a forced to be reckoned with on 1-on-1 drills
  • C Garrett Bradbury looked strong and held his own during his reps against the defensive linemen
  • During 11-on-11 drills the Vikings tights ends stood out today – Tyler Conklin saw reps with the 1st-team offense and even lined up as a wideout – he hauled in every pass that came his way and has really impressed so far in camp
  • TE Cole Hikutini hauled in multiple acrobatic catches, including the one below in the Highlights section
  • Kicker Dan Bailey had a bounce-back performance, hitting 5-of-6 field goal attempts
  • WR Chad Beebe didn’t have a great day but he looks to be securing his hold on the WR3 job
  • After head coach Mike Zimmer called out his young wide receivers this morning, they seemed to step up in the afternoon practice
  • WR’s Davion Davis and Bisi Johnson consistently won their 1-on-1 battles and were able to create separation – still, all the rookie receivers need to refine their fundamentals in order to make the final 53

Holder competition?

  • Adam Thielen, who took a few snaps at holder yesterday, held once for Bailey during live kicks today – it was his only miss (wide right from 33 yards)

Punt return posse

Highlights

  • Adam Thielen ladies and gentlemen… I’m not at all afraid to say he could be getting better, even at age 28

  • Not to be outdone, here’s the other member of the best WR duo in the NFL… Stefon Diggs

  • RB Alexander Mattison was another standout today, as he hit his cutback lanes with conviction…

  • Gotta give the offensive line credit for this one…

  • As mentioned earlier, your Cole Hikutini highlight – titled “Oh, wow”

Reflection

  • Although the offense is still well behind the defense in terms of talent and production, the unit seemed to take a big step forward today – will be interesting to see if that trend continues throughout the remainder of camp
  • After a somewhat uneventful practice on Saturday, Sunday’s session was full of intensity and highlights – the fans who arrived an hour early and stuck it out in the light rain were treated to some gems
  •  The Vikings are scheduled to practice from 2pm-4:45pm tomorrow (Day 4)