5 players trending up early at Vikings training camp in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Minnesota Vikings players are trending up following the first few days of practice at training camp in 2021?
We are only a few short days into Minnesota Vikings training camp in 2021, and it has already come with plenty of drama. Head coach Mike Zimmer was apoplectic with rage and frustration after an embarrassing situation emerged with star quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has not been fully vaccinated, and because of this, he was forced to miss the marquee Saturday night practice after backup Kellen Mond tested positive for COVID-19.
If Cousins sticks to this choice throughout the season, then it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what problems might emerge. But the Vikings will just have to get on with it and make the best out of the situation either way.
It’s been interesting to see just what those in attendance are getting from the opening camp practices. Minnesota is trying to work plenty of new faces into the lineup alongside those already on the team in pursuit of making an instant return to the postseason, which is a lot to do in a relatively short space of time before Week 1.
Without further ado, here are five players who are trending up early at Vikings 2021 training camp.
Player No. 1
Oli Udoh – OG
It appears as if the Vikings are going to give Oli Udoh a legitimate shot at winning the right guard position during training camp. The offensive lineman has reportedly been taking first-team reps throughout the opening few days, sharing them with Dakota Dozier before the pads go on this week.
Head coach Mike Zimmer said it’s an open competition for the starting job next to stud right tackle Brian O’Neill. Dozier’s lack of production in 2020 means that it might be Udoh’s to lose, providing he builds on some positive recent momentum.
Minnesota also has Ohio State product Wyatt Davis to call upon if needed, although the rookie might end up becoming a work in progress.