3 stunning takeaways from the Vikings first night practice of 2023

Takeaway No. 3

Undrafted rookie keeping pace in the kicking competition

A few days ago, Vikings special teams coach Matt Daniels made it known that the team is definitely holding a legitimate kicking competition between Greg Joseph and undrafted rookie Jack Podlesny.

Both Joseph and Podlesny were given a chance to show off their leg on Thursday night. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Joseph went 5-for-8 on his field goal attempts during Thursday's practice, while Podlesny went 3-for-4 on his kicks.

Seifert also revealed that since Minnesota's training camp began last week, Joseph has made 12 of his 15 kicks, and Podlesny has converted 7-of-8 total field-goal tries.

The undrafted rookie is certainly putting the pressure on the veteran, and the Vikings' three preseason games this summer could end up becoming very vital in determining the winner of this battle.

It currently seems like the possibility is very real that Minnesota could open up the 2023 regular season with someone other than Joseph as their kicker.