Vikings players will get their first chance to make an impression on Mike Zimmer and his staff this week.
The Vikings on Monday kicked off their offseason workout program at Winter Park. Because they have a new head coach in Zimmer, the Vikings (and the six other NFL teams with new head coaches) are allowed to start their offseason programs two weeks before teams that have coaches returning.
During the first two weeks of the voluntary program, players are permitted to work with strength and conditioning coaches, rehab injuries and quarterbacks can throw to uncovered receivers. They are also allowed to talk football with Zimmer and his staff, something they couldn't do before today. There are two other phases of the offseason program, including their rookie minicamp (May 16-18) and three-day mandatory minicamp (June 17-19). While not every Vikings player will be in the building this week and for the voluntary workouts that will follow in the coming weeks, a large turnout is expected with a new coaching staff in place.
MATT VENSEL
startribune.com/accessvikings
