Some of the highlights from the media sessions with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and coach Mike Zimmer from earlier today …
From Zimmer …
– He was pleased overall with yesterday's practice — the team's first in pads — but said the team needs to re-learn how to practice safely in pads. There were a few times during team passing competition when Zimmer had to scream at the players to keep a safe distance from the quarterbacks. "It was the first day," Zimmer said. "Guys were geared up. We have to learn how to practice in pads continually. But, yeah, there were a couple times when they were too close [to Bridgewater]. Sharrif [Floyd] bumped into a guard and he bumped into Teddy and Teddy hit the ground one time. So we have to be smart about that."
– Defensive tackle Shamar Stephen was taken off the non-football injury list and participated in the walkthrough this morning. He'll practice this afternoon. That leaves only cornerback Josh Robinson, who is on PUP with a pectoral injury, as the lone active player not practicing.
– Linebacker Anthony Barr, who is coming back from two knee injuries since late last season, will continue to have his team-period reps increased this afternoon. He's making steady progress and didn't have any negative effects from yesterday's heavier load.
– Zimmer talked about the "several talks" he's had to have with safety Antone Exum to get him to understand all that goes into being a pro. Apparently it's working to Zimmer's liking because Exum, according to Zimmer, has changed his behavior and "has grown up a lot" since his rookie season a year.
– Asked just how raw rookie third-round draft pick Danielle Hunter is, Zimmer said, "He's a lot less raw than we thought."
– Zimmer on receiver Cordarrelle Patterson's first three days of camp: "He's been impressive. So, you know, today's a new day. We'll see how he does today. Hopefully, today is just as good as yesterday. I don't know that he's turned the corner yet. But he's definitely going around it." Patterson, who was benched last season because he was lost in the new offense, still is running with the second team.
