4 biggest concerns to come out of Vikings training camp in 2021

Injuries

The Vikings have been bitten fairly hard by the injury bug this preseason. As mentioned above, they were without two of their top rookies in Christian Darrisaw and Wyatt Davis for most of camp. Those two were expected to compete for starting gigs this summer, but both have fallen behind with all the reps they missed.

Minnesota was also without rookie quarterback Kellen Mond, who missed 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. The youngster was expected to be the primary backup to Kirk Cousins this season, but he has fallen way behind Jake Browning for that role.

The Vikings also saw a superstar go down with an injury during this year’s camp. Justin Jefferson hurt his shoulder and it caused him to miss the final week of camp.

Jefferson’s injury could be a blessing in disguise as he doesn’t really need the reps, and the fact that he sat out, but he’s still on pace to start Week 1, is better than him suffering a worse injury in a future practice or in a meaningless preseason game.

The biggest injury the Vikings suffered this summer was to third-year wide receiver Bisi Johnson. Johnson was in line to compete to be the team’s No. 3 receiver, but he tore his ACL, and he will miss the entire 2021 season. This injury has opened up the door for a young player like rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette or K.J. Osborn to win the WR3 job.

The injuries Minnesota suffered during this year’s training camp are concerning, but it could be worse, and the team will knock on wood to ensure there aren’t any more before the regular season.