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.
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.
Safety Lewis Cine just FLEW across the field and made a beautiful diving interception pic.twitter.com/BoQ1oOezMO
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) July 29, 2023
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.
QB Kirk Cousins connects deep downfield with WR Justin Jefferson for a 55+ yard touchdown! pic.twitter.com/ujgVLGWSGj
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) July 29, 2023
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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