Defense and Special Teams on Day 7:
Barr sits out team drills
There have been no reports of Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr suffering any sort of injury at training camp this year, yet he was a non-participant in Minnesota’s team drills on Thursday.
Anthony Barr took part in individual drills and pass-rushing drills today, but didn't take any snaps in team drills. He wouldn't discuss why he wasn't participating, deferring the question to coaches.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) August 2, 2018
His absence certainly raises a lot of questions. Did he suffer an injury during individual drills? Was he serving a punishment for a team infraction? Is Minnesota planning on trading him?
It’s definitely a question that people are going to want an answer to sooner than later.
Johnson progressing well in second year
As a rookie last year, Vikings defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson didn’t seem much time on the field (five appearances to be precise). But he’s hoping to change that in 2018.
If anything, Johnson has been making a good impression on Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer. When asked about the young defensive tackle on Thursday, Zimmer said that he has, “improved a lot,” and he is, “a lot more disciplined,” since last season.
Comments like that from the Vikings head coach are things that should boost Johnson’s confidence moving forward.
Brothers doesn’t practice
Already set to serve a four-game suspension this year, Minnesota linebacker Kentrell Brothers was not a participant in Thursday’s practice.
Minnesota Vikings
No indication for why Brothers sat out practice, but he was seen throwing up on Monday, so it could be something related to that.
Waynes has an up and down day
Throughout his career with the Vikings, cornerback Trae Waynes has had his share of good and bad moments. Minnesota is hoping to see more good from Waynes this season, but the corner continued his hot and cold play during Thursday’s practice.
At one point during the day, Waynes was giving up a touchdown to Laquon Treadwell and then a little later in the afternoon, the corner was seen knocking the football out of Treadwell’s hands.
For the Vikings’ sake, hopefully Waynes is just getting used to the new and improved Treadwell too.
Minnesota will have their eighth training camp session on Friday, beginning with a walk-thru at 10:30 a.m. CT and practice at 2:45 p.m. CT.