EAGAN, Minn. — A somber hush fell over the Vikings practice Tuesday during 1-on-1 drills between receivers and cornerbacks.
What is normally a part of Vikings Training Camp practice that generates oohs and aahs from fans became quiet after receiver Trishton Jackson injured his right knee at the end of a deep pass play.
The Health and Performance staff tended to the receiver for several minutes before he was helped to a medical cart.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, receivers coach Keenan McCardell and assistant receivers coach Tony Sorrentino joined Jackson's teammates in coming over to offer their well wishes.
Jackson has spent the past two seasons as an appreciated member of the practice squad and had enjoyed a nice start to camp.
The team tried to keep its focus on finishing the practice.
Players are scheduled to conduct a walk-through that is closed to the public on Wednesday. Tickets remain available for Thursday Night Football presented by Vizzy, a practice that will be held inside TCO Stadium.
Not participating: Kene Nwangwu, Andrew Booth, Jr., Jalen Nailor, Sam Schlueter and Brian O'Neill did not participate in team drills; O'Neill continued his rehab work. Olisaemeka Udoh took reps at right tackle in place of O'Neill. Outside linebacker Danielle Hunter continued his acclimation period. Hunter participated in position drills. Booth started practice as a participant but left early.
Returned to practice: Quarterback Nick Mullens was back after an excused absence Monday.
Here are three observations from Tuesday's session presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Mixing and matching
The Vikings worked in multiple defenders with their first team.
At cornerback, Minnesota took a look at rookie Mekhi Blackmon in the slot while leaving Byron Murphy, Jr., on the outside opposite of Akayleb Evans. Some looks in camp had involved Murphy sliding to the slot and Evans working the outside opposite of Joejuan Williams.
At inside linebacker, Troy Dye subbed in for Brian Asamoah II for a few plays, and undrafted rookie Ivan Pace, Jr., later took some snaps with Asamoah.
It seemed like outside linebacker Marcus Davenport may have had a lighter load, with Pat Jones II and D.J. Wonnum working in tandem.
2. Late-game split
O'Connell closed practice with an end-of-game situation drill that had the defense up 21-20 and 1:25 on the clock.
The first-team defense kept the offense out of scoring territory. The offense committed a penalty that it did not overcome.
The second-team offense, however, moved within range of a potential winning field goal with five seconds remaining (the kick was not attempted). Mullens led the drive with a beautiful timing pass down the field to Brandon Powell one play after the quarterback was credited for a scramble on third-and-2 to pick up a first down.
3. Throwback jersey
Vikings fans now know second-year punter Ryan Wright as No. 14, but a year ago, he was at training camp in No. 66.
Wright was able to switch to the teens after making the team as an undrafted rookie in 2022.
On Tuesday, quarterback Kirk Cousins brought it back. He opted to wear a red, no-contact No. 66 instead of No. 8.
Undrafted rookie offensive lineman Alan Ali is wearing No. 66 in white as the team prepares for its preseason opener at Seattle.
