Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2018: Day 9 recap
By Adam Patrick
Defense and Special Teams on Day 9:
Barr back to normal
After a few weird days of random trade rumors and uncertainty surrounding the status of Anthony Barr, the Vikings linebacker was a full participant for Saturday night’s practice. Barr did not take part in Minnesota’s team drills on Thursday and was a limited participant on Friday.
His lack of time on the field recently has been due to, “a tweak,” according to Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer.
Wilson takes it to the house
Behind Barr and Eric Kendricks, there are a ton of question marks at linebacker for Minnesota this year. One of those who is fighting for a 2018 roster spot is second-year linebacker Eric Wilson.
Wilson played well on special teams last season and he is reportedly having a good training camp this year. He even scored a touchdown during Saturday’s practice.
Eric Wilson picks off Siemian and houses it. Wilson is having a phenomenal camp pic.twitter.com/R2sn4OMNHD
— Arif Hasan, but NFL 🏈 (@ArifHasanNFL) August 5, 2018
Newman gets in the slot
Despite the fact that he will be turning 40 in September, Vikings cornerback Terence Newman can still hold his own with the young players in the NFL today.
Minnesota Vikings
Newman’s role with Minnesota in 2018 is not yet known (assuming he makes the final roster), but he was given some time on the field Saturday covering receivers in the slot.
Newman spent some of last season as the Vikings’ nickel corner, but the team’s hope for 2018 is that Mackensie Alexander can hold on to that spot for an entire season.
Kickers get back on track
The battle between Minnesota kickers Kai Forbath and Daniel Carlson has been a pretty close one in training camp so far this year. After more than a week of practices, neither Forbath or Carlson is the clear frontrunner for the job.
Forbath struggled a bit on Friday, but he was able to convert on all of his field goal attempts on Saturday night. Carlson made all of his kicks as well.
Next. 4 Vikings that could be surprise camp cuts in 2018. dark
This is a position battle that is likely going to remain close until the end of the preseason and whoever the Vikings end up selecting for the job could play a vital part in their success this year.