Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2018: Day 12 recap
By Adam Patrick
Offense on Day 12:
Diggs held out of practice by Zimmer
When the Vikings first took the field for their afternoon practice on Wednesday, wide receiver Stefon Diggs was not among the players present. Without really knowing why he was not at practice, some figured that he was possibly just being given a veteran’s day off (don’t tell Todd Haley).
However, Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer revealed after practice on Wednesday the reasoning for Diggs’ absence.
Mike Zimmer: Xavier Rhodes and Stefon Diggs not at practice today because “they did not make me happy.” Said it’s not injury-related with either. Both guys were jawing with each other this morning at walkthrough.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) August 8, 2018
It is probably just another case of two competitors trying to get the best out of each other. But Zimmer decided to give each participant a breather before anyone did something they would regret.
Coley making plays
With Diggs out, some of the Vikings’ younger receivers were given a chance to shine. One pass catcher who took advantage of his increased reps on Wednesday was second-year receiver Stacy Coley.
Stacy Coley just made an incredible leaping grab on a deep throw against Marcus Sherels. His best of camp.
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) August 8, 2018
In the DB/WR 1-on-1 drills in RZ, Coley had a great contested grab in the back corner of the EZ over Richardson. Hill with an excellent PBU on Wright.
— Vikings Corner (@VikingsCorner) August 8, 2018
After missing the first portion of Minnesota’s training camp this year with a groin injury, Coley knows he needs to make the most of his opportunities in practice. And at least on Wednesday, he did just that.
Top offensive linemen still not participating
When the Vikings take the field on Saturday for their preseason game agains the Broncos, it will likely be without three starting offensive linemen. Pat Elflein (shoulder/ankle), Nick Easton (back/neck) and Mike Remmers (ankle) missed another afternoon of practice on Wednesday and there is no report on when exactly any of them will be back.
Cook’s status for Saturday has been decided
Despite the fact Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook looks on track to open the regular season as the team’s starter, his status for Saturday’s preseason matchup is still up in the air.
When asked about Cook on Wednesday, Zimmer said that he already knows if the running back will play this weekend or not and then declined to reveal his decision to the local media.