Vikings fans were in attendance at TCO Performance Center for the first time in 2023 as the team held practice No. 4 of training camp on Saturday. Thankfully, the temperature was much more reasonable after three consecutive scorching hot days. On the field, fans were treated to an action-packed affair that was highlighted by some second-year players nabbing interceptions and the best wide receiver on the planet doing his thing.
There are no attendance changes to note. Danielle Hunter, Brian O'Neill, and Jalen Nailor remain absent; Kevin O'Connell announced earlier in the day that Nailor is dealing with a minor leg injury.
Let's get to the recap.
Lewis Cine flashes
Life in the NFL hasn't exactly gone to plan thus far for Vikings 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine. He was relegated to special teams duties to begin his rookie season and then suffered a compound leg fracture in the Week 4 game in London. This year, Cine is fully recovered but remains fourth on the depth chart at safety, getting reps exclusively with the second-team defense in practice.
Still, it's far too early to give up on the former Georgia star, who doesn't turn 24 until October. In making the highlight play of Saturday's practice, Cine offered a reminder of why the Vikings were so high on him last year.
Leading the second unit in a situational drill towards the end of practice, backup quarterback Nick Mullens dropped back to pass and fired a ball towards Jalen Reagor. Cine had it read all the way and burst in front of the route to make an athletic interception, setting off a celebration with his defensive teammates. The ability to quickly diagnose plays and then fire to the ball to make a play was Cine's calling card in college. He did it another time earlier in practice on a pass breakup that nearly ended as an interception.
With more plays like those, he could start to push Cam Bynum and Josh Metellus for reps with the 1s.
Justin Jefferson puts on a clinic
It's not exactly breaking news that Justin Jefferson is the best player on the field every time the Vikings practice. But even having seen it over and over in practices and games for the last three years, Jefferson's brilliance is always amazing to watch. He gave the fans plenty to cheer about on Saturday.
First there was a difficult catch on a deep ball against Akayleb Evans, followed by a cutback and a Griddy into the end zone. Later, Jefferson roasted Andrew Booth Jr. on another go route and caught a perfect pass from Kirk Cousins that traveled at least 50 yards in the air. Those were just two of a barrage of catches for the game's best receiver, who had a brilliant leaping grab the previous day.
Other notes
- Cine wasn't the only player with an interception in this practice. Booth, another high pick in last year's draft who is working with the second unit, intercepted Cousins on what looked like a miscommunication between the QB and Jefferson. Rookie Mekhi Blackmon had a nice pick on an errant throw from Jaren Hall. UDFA NaJee Thompson also got one against Hall, who had a rough day.
- Jordan Addison had another solid practice. The rookie continues to look the part with his route-running and hands. He got open for a nice grab near the sideline and also created separation on a deep route, but Cousins put it just out of his reach.
- A less heralded receiver who had a nice day is Brandon Powell. The 5'8" ex-Ram joined the Vikings this offseason and is competing for a roster spot as both a receiver and punt returner. There wasn't one highlight play, but Powell racked up a handful of catches with the second unit throughout the day.
- Metellus continues to get a ton of work with the starting defense in a variety of roles. He had a nice pass breakup covering T.J. Hockenson. The Vikings seem to have big plans for Metellus this year.
- Ivan Pace Jr. keeps getting heavy reps with the second-string defense, which is impressive as an undrafted rookie. Could he end up passing Troy Reeder as the No. 3 inside linebacker?
- Kene Nwangwu is fast. Extremely fast. He's firmly in the mix for the RB2 role.
- The Vikings' first-team offense converted on their situational drill, with Cousins hitting K.J. Osborn for a chunk gain over the middle to set up a Greg Joseph field goal.
- Neither Joseph nor rookie Jack Podlesny missed a kick at the end of practice. It's a kicking competition!
After an off day Sunday, the pads will come on for the first time on Monday. That's when things really start to get rolling.
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