Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2018: Day 16 recap

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Defense and Special Teams on Day 16:

Explanation revealed for Griffen’s missed time

Vikings’ defensive end Everson Griffen was absent from the Vikings’ first two practices this week and he was not present for Wednesday’s session either. No one was really sure why he wasn’t around, but a reason has finally been revealed.

Minnesota has never been a team to shy away from its players sustaining odd injuries (yes, I’m talking about you Taylor Heinicke).

Vikings secondary plays well against Bortles

During Blake Bortles’ career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the quarterback has become known to throw the ball to his opponents on more than one occasion. Well, against Minnesota’s talented secondary on Wednesday, Bortles struggled to get the ball to the players that were actually wearing the same color jersey as him.

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Vikings cornerback Terence Newman snatched one of Bortles’ passes, Xavier Rhodes knocked down a few more, and Harrison Smith had himself a few chances at some interceptions as well.

The Jaguars’ quarterback is likely not looking forward to facing Minnesota’s first-team defense on Saturday.

Hill has an up and down day

Undrafted rookie cornerback Holton Hill was the talk of the team during the early portion of Vikings training camp this year. Recently though, Hill has come back down to earth and been reminded of just how tough it is to play in the NFL as a rookie.

Minnesota’s young corner had a couple of moments on Wednesday where he was able to knock down a few passes. But there were also times when Hill got beat by some of Jaguars’ receivers.

It’s still okay to be excited about the rookie’s potential, but let’s not forget he still has plenty to improve before the Vikings opt to give him any significant playing time this year.