Floyd, Kendricks and Newman held out of Vikings' penultimate camp practice
Bleachers were packed to the brim as fans filed in to see the Vikings take the field for an afternoon padded practice one last time. Weather wise, the penultimate training camp practice ended on a high note, though head coach Mike Zimmer might’ve warmed the 79-degree air near his players with crossed arms and a furrowed brow. Here are some snippets from Monday’s practice:
Missing a trioFor the first time in camp, the Vikings were without three defensive starters. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, linebacker Eric Kendricks and cornerback Terence Newman were limited to spectators with injuries. Kendricks, who was injured in Saturday night’s scrimmage, and Newman were healthy enough to take part in the morning walkthrough, but did not suit up in pads. Their positions were filled by defensive tackle Shamar Stephen, linebacker Audie Cole and cornerback Trae Waynes. Floyd has now missed consecutive practices.
Everybody dropAsked for an assessment Monday through the bulk of his third training camp in Mankato, Zimmer was pleased overall, but couldn’t shake what he’d just watched. “It’s been pretty good,” he said. “Today wasn’t the best day.” He then pulled out a sheet of folded paper with jottings on mishaps, including false starts, early jumps, an injured player not reporting for treatment and a botched 4th and 20 from the defense. The latter drew some colorful words from Zimmer directed at cornerback Jabari Price. During one team drill, a dropped snap from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater led to Zimmer calling for 10 push-ups from the entire roster.
ThudsConsecutive collisions drew reactions from the crowd as 325-pound defensive tackle Toby Johnson broke through the line and stonewalled 206-pound running back Jhurell Pressley. It wasn’t dissimilar to what Linval Joseph did to Derek Carr last season. On the next play, a collision in coverage could be heard as well as seen between safety Antone Exum Jr. and linebacker Kentrell Brothers. In the next session, Brothers intercepted backup quarterback Shaun Hill around the same area of the field.
Some clarity?It’d appear to be Andre Smith’s job to lose at right tackle, though that may have been the case since Phil Loadholt retired before camp. Smith has worked consecutive practices with the first-team offense, while his primary competitor, T.J. Clemmings, moved to get some work at left tackle again. As far as naming Smith the starter, Zimmer said it’s “heading that way.” At center, Joe Berger led the starters today as he continues switching with John Sullivan.
Oh, MoRookie receiver Moritz Böhringer sped past safety Jayron Kearse on a go route, putting himself in position for the home run. Joel Stave’s pass was on the money, but fell through Böhringer’s mitts about 30 yards down the right sideline. The German sensation has looked as you’d expect for a player without college experience, though his athleticism continues to stand out.
Camp chatter
“If he’s going to face guard me, call it!” – Receiver Stefon Diggs vents to a practice official after some contact with cornerback Xavier Rhodes on the previous play.
Injury reportReceiver Jarius Wright left the practice field with an athletic trainer and did not return. Floyd, Kendricks and Newman were held out. Floyd has worn a brace on his knee during camp and Newman had his right ankle taped up. Receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (shoulder) returned after sitting out Saturday night. Tight end Rhett Ellison (knee), guard Mike Harris (illness) and quarterback Taylor Heinicke (foot) remain sidelined. Zimmer said he expects Ellison to be ready for the regular season.
ScheduleTuesday:
8 – 10 a.m. full pads
ANDREW KRAMMER