Training camp 2017: Vikings’ top veterans hit the practice field on day four
By Adam Patrick
Morning walk thru and Teddy/Zimmer pressers:
The practice field was a little more populated on Thursday as every player on the Vikings’ active roster was in attendance for the team’s morning walk thru.
They're underway with vets at Vikings camp pic.twitter.com/rr0pkVz6DF
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
Only #Vikings not participating in the walkthrough were the list guys: Teddy, Murray, Shariff and Washington.
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) July 27, 2017
Almost immediately, we learned what sort of lineups Minnesota may be throwing out on the field this season. Some of the more interesting changes from 2016 included linebacker Emmanuel Lamur, cornerback Trae Waynes, and defensive end Danielle Hunter all lining up on the first-team defense.
First defensive walkthrough rep has Lamur starting at WLB and Tom Johnson at 3T. Sendejo, Waynes, Hunter starting, as expected.
— Arif Hasan, but NFL 🏈 (@ArifHasanNFL) July 27, 2017
Second team- LBs: Wilson, Brothers, Robinson. Robison and Weatherly at DE. Jones and Stephen inside. Harris and Kearse at safety.
— Vikings Corner (@VikingsCorner) July 27, 2017
In nickel, Rhodes and Waynes on the outside, with Mack Alexander in the slot.
— Vikings Corner (@VikingsCorner) July 27, 2017
On offense, expect Minnesota to try out a few different lineups with the middle of their offensive line this preseason before they settle on who will their opening night starters.
Like in the spring Nick Easton starting out with first team reps at center and Jerick McKinnon at running back in walkthrough
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
And Joe Berger still at right guard where he figures to play this season
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
Following Thursday’s walk thru, Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater stood at the podium and took questions from the media for the first time since injuring his knee last August.
Teddy Bridgewater: It's been an eventful year for me. Sorry I haven't talked much, constant grind for me pic.twitter.com/J45abSSrpD
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) July 27, 2017
Bridgewater talked about the possibility of playing in 2017, recalled what his thoughts were right after suffering his injury, and mentioned that he has spoken to other players who rehabbed from similar injuries.
Teddy Bridgewater not speculating on if it will play this year. "Right now I'm taking it 1 day at a time I can't look too far down the road"
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
Teddy Bridgewater said there was no contact at all on play he was hurt.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
Bridgewater: "I just remember laying on the ground. The biggest thing was the guys gathering around me and praying for me."
— Vikings Corner (@VikingsCorner) July 27, 2017
Teddy Bridgewater didn't deny that there was a possibility he could have lost his leg. #Vikings
— VikingUpdate.com (@VikingUpdate) July 27, 2017
Teddy Bridgewater said he talked to Frank Gore and Willis McGahee, who had similar injuries to him. Miami guys.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
As for whether or not he wants his career to continue in Minnesota, Bridgewater did not offer a real definitive answer.
Teddy Bridgewater understands why Vikings didn't pick up fifth-year option. Said, "yeah,'' he wants to stay with #Vikings but didn't expand
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
"I just want to continue to play football." - @teddyb_h2o
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 27, 2017
After the Ted(dy) Talk, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer stepped up to the podium to take questions. Obviously the reporters in attendance had to get the coach’s opinion on Bridgewater.
Mike Zimmer on Teddy Bridgewater: "He inspires me the way he goes about his business and his work.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
Mike Zimmer doesn't know when Teddy will be able to play. "It's all up to the doctors.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
Among other things, Zimmer answered questions about wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, if the offensive line has improved, and what the team is doing to fill their open spot at kick returner.
Mike Zimmer says Laquon Treadwell just has to play. He can't worry if he drops a ball. Move on to next play.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
"I'm confident they're better. I sit in the room with them a lot...I see the things they're doing." - Coach Zimmer on the o-line
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 27, 2017
"He's a smart, veteran player that has a lot of physicality. I really like his demeanor." - Coach Zimmer on Riley Reiff
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 27, 2017
Mike Zimmer on Rodney Adams. "I don't know if he's going to be the kick returner. We're going to continue to look at guys.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017
Mike Zimmer said the Vikings will also continue to look for possible kickoff returners who become available.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 27, 2017