Two key Vikings players miss team’s first training camp practice

The Minnesota Vikings were down two key defenders on Friday.

For the Minnesota Vikings and every other team around the NFL, this year is going to be unlike anything that has ever been experienced before thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every season, the Vikings have to deal with player injuries as it’s the nature of the sport. However, now Minnesota has to also factor in the possibility of some of their guys missing time this year if they end up testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The Vikings hit the field at the TCO Performance Center on Friday for their first official practice of this year’s training camp and there were two notable players who did not participate.

Two Minnesota Vikings defenders sit out Friday’s practice

During Minnesota’s first official training camp practice on Friday, the majority of their players were on the field taking part in drills. However, Vikings defensive tackle Shamar Stephen and rookie cornerback Jeff Gladney did not participate in Friday’s practice session according to multiple reports.

In addition to Gladney and Stephen not taking part in practice, Minnesota linebacker Ben Gedeon was also a non-participant. But Gedeon not being out there on Friday was already expected since he is currently on the Vikings’ Active/Physically Unable to Perform list.

It’s only the first practice, so Gladney and Stephen missing the session isn’t anything to worry about just yet. However, when they end up returning will be something to keep an eye on since both are expected to play key roles for Minnesota during the upcoming season.

On the plus side, fellow rookie cornerback Cameron Dantzler was able to get some first-team reps in the nickel package on Friday with Gladney sitting out. Since there is no preseason this summer, Dantzler getting the opportunity to work with the Vikings’ top defense should help the team’s coaching staff in their evaluation of the young corner.

Minnesota head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman was also spotted at Friday’s practice. Sugarman had been in quarantine since July 27 after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.