Every weekday, we walk you through what’s going on with the Vikings.
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
— It’s been three weeks, 11 practices and a trio of games since we saw center John Sullivan, but coach Mike Zimmer remains unconcerned.
— With all due respect to Coach Zimmer, columnist Chip Scoggins says the Vikings should be worried about the state of their offensive line.
— New Vikings offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles, who should bring some versatility to the offensive line, says he is happy to be in Minnesota.
— While Zimmer declined to declare a starter at middle linebacker, Gerald Hodges continued to hold down that spot during Monday’s practice.
— Here are five things you might not know about wideout Mike Wallace.
AROUND THE NFC NORTH
— The Bears refuse to publicly discuss lineup changes, but it looks more and more like they will move Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long to right tackle.
— The return of James Jones, even if he doesn’t catch a ton of balls, should help out Packers wide receivers Randall Cobb and Davante Adams.
— Lions general manager Martin Mayhew played it coy when asked about what is up with defensive tackle Haloti Ngata’s expiring contract.
TODAY’S VIKINGS SCHEDULE
The Vikings practice at 10:45 tomorrow morning. Afterward, offensive coordinator Norv Turner will be up on the podium and the locker room will be open to media for the first time since the end of last season.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
The Vikings have made a habit out of employing local players. They gave opportunities to Adam Thielen and Marcus Sherels and ended up keeping them around, and they have now added Zach Moore and Isaac Fruechte to their practice squad. So do the Vikings have more information on the local guys, or is there something else to it, Coach Zimmer? “I think we get plenty of info on everybody,” Zimmer said yesterday. “I just think some of the local guys, if they have a choice between a couple of different teams, they’d prefer to come home.” That may sound simple, but it certainly makes sense.
Ben Goessling is in his sixth year covering the Vikings, having joined the Star Tribune in 2017 after four seasons at ESPN and one at the Pioneer Press. He is an Apple Valley High School and University of Minnesota graduate. Follow him at @GoesslingStrib.
Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.
Andrew Krammer joined the Star Tribune in July 2016 after three years covering the Vikings for 1500 ESPN. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Follow him at @Andrew_Krammer.
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