Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings broad receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a move as Chicago Bears cornerback Terell Smith (32) defends through the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
Among the credit score belongs to…luck. Occasionally, groups do all the things properly earlier than seeing issues collapse (shout out to W.B. Yeats). Different instances, although, groups do issues properly and get rewarded accordingly. I don’t lack for Kevin O’Connell criticism — run the ball! — however the skipper tends to deal with his gamers. The trouble has been paying off.
The Vikings’ Harm Issues at Coaching Camp
Nook James Pierre needed to step away, albeit on a short-term foundation.
“Yeah, it sounds like it’s a short-term thing,” DC Brian Flores defined. “He was out at the walk through today. He’ll be part of individuals today. We’ll see if we can get him a couple snaps here and there.” Sidelining Pierre for a time isn’t ideally suited however it does create extra work for guys comparable to Chuck Demmings and Zemaiah Vaughn.
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) trade jerseys after an AFC wild card recreation at M&T Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Geoff Burke-Imagn Photos
Minnesota’s WR2 — Jordan Addison — has needed to step again. He, too, seems to have averted main harm as he fixes up his thumb harm. The 2026 season ought to be the one the place he clears 1,000 yards.
DT Domonique Orange took a time without work earlier within the week, however a supply advised VT that the rookie was coping with some bumps and bruises. Basically, the child had a upkeep day to push back soreness. No person ever claimed being an NFL nostril deal with was for the faint of coronary heart.
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Getting DT Caleb Banks again onto the sector wasn’t a certain factor. Getting him at No. 18 was deemed a attain resulting from him having a number of foot accidents that sidelined him in 2025 and the early months of 2026. Some noticed a foul alternative whereas Minnesota noticed large upside. Getting (and staying) wholesome is clearly key.
Rookie runner Demond Claiborne wanted a while away from the sector. He has since come again and had some struggles. Give the child an opportunity. He’ll flip it round earlier than lengthy.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is chosen by the Minnesota Vikings because the quantity 18 choose through the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos
Coming into coaching camp, there was a small replace about Blake Cashman having a nagging situation. He hasn’t been hindered, although. He’s in a contract yr.
As a rookie, Gavin Bartholomew couldn’t get onto the sector resulting from his again harm. He has since grown wholesome and been actually good, resulting in no scarcity of reward from coaching camp onlookers.
Guys comparable to T.J. Hockenson and Will Fries aren’t instantly coming off harm. They’re, although, getting additional away from actually robust accidents. Minnesota’s perception is that they’ll be higher because of this.
Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Will Fries celebrates ultimately zone after a landing throughout second-quarter motion on Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The scoring play highlighted Minnesota’s offensive execution in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers and gave the Vikings one other memorable second in a rivalry matchup late within the common season. Necessary Credit score: Matt Blewett-Imagn Photos.
Above all, the passers are wholesome and capable of compete. Some assume that Kyler Murray is locked into the beginning spot. Possibly that’s true, however J.J. McCarthy doesn’t look like interested by simply rolling over. Mercifully, Carson Wentz is not in excruciating ache resulting from his shoulder harm. Can any individual from inside that trio be a robust quarterback?
The Vikings get again onto the observe discipline tomorrow.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. E mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
