MANKATO, Minn. — Select veterans and rookies continued to get their work in at Vikings training camp Tuesday on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato.
The 40 players in attendance practiced in helmets and shorts for just over 90 minutes in balmy conditions.
The rest of the Vikings will report Wednesday.
Those already at camp are scheduled to practice Wednesday from 9-10:45 a.m., while veterans will report Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Here are three observations from Tuesday's session:
1. Cook shows his speed
With Vikings veteran not in camp yet, rookie running back Dalvin Cook is drawing the most attention from fans and media.
The 41st overall pick in April's draft gave people something else to talk about when he showed off his burst and athleticism Tuesday.
Cook took a handoff on the first play of an 11-on-11 drill and headed to his right. He quickly changed direction and veered to his left and made a beeline for the sideline with what would have been a large chunk of yards.
Cook will likely best tested when the Vikings first-team defense arrives, and when the pads go on, but he's shown flashes of playmaking ability thus far in camp.
2. Picking up the pace
Monday's opening practice of training camp almost felt like an extension of spring practices, as coaches took time to instruct players and moved at a somewhat slow pace.
Everyone turned up the intensity Tuesday, which was evident by the crisp pace and tempo.
"I do think [we were able to go faster today]," said Vikings rookie wide receiver Rodney Adams. "Everyone's got the jitters out of their system and is starting to play fast."
The speed of practice will only pick up as training camp goes on.
3. Time for special teams
Most of the players currently in camp who make the Vikings 53-man roster will likely have to carve out a role on special teams.
Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer and Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer placed an emphasis on that area Tuesday by spending multiple portions of practice working on special teams.
Players worked on both kickoff and punt coverage, while Adams and Stacy Coley each fielded punts.
