5 players trending up early at Vikings training camp in 2021

Jake Browning – QB

Nobody benefitted more from the farcical situation at quarterback just hours before their night practice on Saturday than Jake Browning. The player was the only remaining option after Kellen Mond tested positive for COVID-19, which obviously confirmed that Kirk Cousins has not had the vaccine as yet and had to sit out.

This is something worth keeping an eye on, and Mike Zimmer is not happy one bit. Browning didn’t let the opportunity go to waste, impressing the large crowd in attendance with some nice throws despite getting no rest time as the only signal-caller distributing the football.

Minnesota is reportedly looking to bring in additional help at the position to take some of the load off Browning with Mond out and Cousins’ status up in the air. At the very least, his performance should make the Vikings think twice about just who their backup option will be, although there’s a long way to go before a final decision is needed.

There is also a chance Minnesota might not keep three quarterbacks on the roster initially. Although considering Cousins is at risk of missing some serious time if he’s unfortunate enough to contract the virus at any stage, it’s going to play into the coaching staff’s minds.

Browning can only focus on what he can control. And if Saturday’s session taught us anything, it’s that the signal-caller is not afraid of the big moment.