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3 Observations: Vikings Encounter Raindrops in Red Zone

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings wrapped their week of practices with a bit of a scrimmage — and a slow rain that intensified to the point of shortening Thursday's session.

"Really important day for us, kind of an intrasquad feel to what we'll do today, simulating, not a total simulation of a game, but we'll have NFL officials here today, [referee] Adrian Hill and his crew," Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said moments before practice. "We will try to simulate the clock as much as we can, substitutions, but really designed for reps. If you see our guys walking off the field today, they more likely will be, hopefully, pretty exhausted from what we'll attempt to do today. It's been a big part of how we do training camp, especially with years with only one joint practice, so I'm excited for today."

The sprinkles began before O'Connell's session with media members concluded. The precipitation reached drizzle status at some point during the "first half" and progressed to a driving rain that prompted Minnesota to stop before running through a 2-minute drill scenario.

The team initially moved everyone inside, but O'Connell opted to end the practice without the 2-minute drill.

Players shed their pads, which were then placed in front of electric fans to help dry them.

The Vikings will travel to Philadelphia on Friday where they'll conclude their 2024 preseason schedule in a game scheduled for noon (CT) Saturday.

"We'll be sitting some guys. We haven't determined exactly who, exact playing time, you know, quarters or halves or things like that. We've got a lot of things to really let work out via the competition," O'Connell said. "And the game will still be a part of the evaluation process that goes with all the practices, the joint work, the two preseason games we've had so far.

"I will tell you guys that Jaren Hall will start the game. And Matt Corral will likely play, as well," O'Connell added. "So, from the quarterback position, we've got that ironed out, but as far as the rest of the roster, there's a lot of moving parts out there."

Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:

1. Red zone report

The Vikings first-team offense and first-team defense put in a series of good work in the red zone.

Sam Darnold opened the sequence with a 20-yard touchdown to Jalen Nailor, perfectly placing the pass beyond the nearest defender, safety Theo Jackson.

The Vikings offense then faced a second-and-6 from the 16 and opted for a run by Aaron Jones, Sr., but linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill knifed through for a tackle for loss.

On a third-and-5, Darnold connected with Nailor for a gain of 5.

Minnesota then set up a new first-and-10 at the 12, and Darnold completed a pass to Josh Oliver shy of the goal line but with enough room for the big tight end to get the ball into the end zone with a couple of steps after the catch.

Darnold added a completion to Trishton Jackson, but the defense also recorded what would have been a sack on one play and forced an incompletion on the final snap of the sequence.

2. Addison joins Hockenson

Tight end T.J. Hockenson and receiver Jordan Addison worked out on a side field. Hockenson has been running and catching passes on air this week, but Thursday was the first time Addison had joined him since he suffered an ankle injury during the Aug. 14 joint practice at Cleveland.

View throwback photos of 2004 Vikings Training Camp compared to recent photos from 2024 Vikings Training Camp.

3. Sprinkling in special teams

The Vikings were intentional in covering multiple special teams scenarios.

Minnesota essentially alternated practice periods, going from move the ball sessions to punts, punt returns and field goals before adding a couple more kickoff plays for the coverage and return teams.

Kicker Will Reichard went 1-for-3 on field goals during the first kicking period, but he came back to make all three kicks, including one from 55 yards, the next time.

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