Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2018: Day 12 recap

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Defense and Special Teams on Day 12:

Rhodes and Barr sit out

Thanks to his minor kerfuffle with Stefon Diggs, Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes was also absent from the team’s afternoon practice on Wednesday for disciplinary reasons. Minnesota linebacker Anthony Barr also sat out the team’s practice and the reason for his absence is not known.

Defensive tackle Linval Joseph was back on the field though for the Vikings after he sat out Tuesday’s afternoon session.

Alexander exits early

Hopefully it’s nothing major, but Minnesota cornerback Mackensie Alexander was seen leaving the field midway through practice on Wednesday. Alexander is currently competing to open the season as the Vikings’ starting nickel corner and appears to be in the lead for the job according to the team’s first unofficial depth chart of 2018.

Backup corners look impressive

The top of Minnesota’s cornerback depth chart is pretty much set with Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Alexander expected to open the regular season as starters. But after those three is where it begins to get interesting.

Minnesota Vikings

Terence Newman, Holton Hill, and Marcus Sherels are all competing in training camp this year for a spot on the Vikings’ final 2018 roster. On Wednesday, Hill and Sherels each reportedly had some impressive moments in practice.

This is a position battle that is likely going to result in a few talented players being given their release before Minnesota begins the regular season in a few weeks.

Zimmer says reserve receivers must play special teams

The Vikings will have to make a lot of roster decisions over the next few weeks and a number of them are going to come down to which players can contribute on special teams.

Zimmer stated on Wednesday that he wants players lower on the depth chart to be able to contribute on special teams this season. Even those who have not done so in the recent past like current Minnesota wide receiver Kendall Wright.

If Wright is on the Vikings’ roster in the regular season and he doesn’t have a role on special teams, Zimmer straight up said the receiver, “probably won’t be dressed on game day.”