Day@camp

Daily dispatch from Mankato

Back to work

After Thursday afternoon's practice, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer talked about how nice it was to get back to his "other family."

That would be the Vikings. Zimmer missed Tuesday's practice to be with his ailing father, Bill, in Florida. Even in the middle of training camp, it was important to go, he said. And that meant Zimmer, his son Adam — the Vikings' linebackers coach — and daughters Corri and Marki. "It was good for my mom, No. 1," Zimmer said.

His dad has been ailing for some time, a long process that started about two years ago. Most recently, Zimmer said his dad hadn't eaten in about two weeks. But he was scheduled to undergo another procedure Thursday. If it went well, much progress is expected.

Zimmer said one highlight of the visit came when he took out his iPad and had his dad watch some video of Vikings practice. Bill Zimmer, a football coach himself, enjoyed it.

"He must have watched it for five minutes," Zimmer said. "That was pretty cool.""

High praise for Diggs

Rookie Stefon Diggs made a highlight reel catch in 7-on-7 drills over cornerback Xavier Rhodes. When asked which young player has impressed him so far in camp, the first player Adrian Peterson mentioned was Diggs.

"He caught my eye when I first stepped into the buildings for OTAs and minicamp," Peterson said. "He's been pretty impressive."

Rhodes was also impressed.

"Stefon is a really good player," he said. "He came in ready. His routes were really good, really precise. He has strong hands. When he touches the ball, there's a good chance he's going to catch it."

Heinicke's rough day

Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke threw two interceptions. Andrew Sendejo intercepted a Heinicke pass that was tipped by Captain Munnerlyn along the left sideline. Anthony Harris intercepted a Heinicke pass after it was tipped by wide receiver DaVaris Daniels.

Injury report

Linebacker Anthony Barr, center Joe Berger, guard David Yankey, defensive end B.J. Dubose, defensive end Scott Crichton and wide receiver Gavin Lutman were held out of practice because of injuries. Tight end Chase Ford appeared to injure his back early in practice when he attempted to catch a ball at his feet. After practice, Zimmer said Ford was "sore."

Camp chatter

"I'll be sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the game, watching these young guys work."

— Peterson, not sounding too bummed he won't play in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game.

Schedule

Friday: Practice 9-10:30 a.m., walkthrough 3-4 p.m.

Saturday: no practice

Sunday: Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, vs. Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

JOSH HYBER