DAY @ CAMP
Daily dispatch from Mankato
Setting the scene
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. The penultimate training camp practice ended on a high note, weather wise, though Vikings coach Mike Zimmer might have warmed the 79-degree air near his players with crossed arms and a furrowed brow.
Missing a trio
For 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 because of injuries. Kendricks and Newman were healthy enough to take part in the morning walk-through 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 missed consecutive practices.
Everybody drop
Asked 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 fourth-and-20 from the defense. During one team drill, a dropped snap from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater led to Zimmer calling for 10 push-ups from the entire roster.
Camp chatter
"If he's going to face-guard me, call it!"
— Receiver Stefon Diggs, venting to a practice official after some contact with cornerback Xavier Rhodes on the previous play.
Injury report
Receiver 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.
Schedule
Tuesday: 8-10 a.m. full pads
ANDREW KRAMMER
