MANKATO, Minn. — The gang was all here Thursday as the Vikings held their first full team practice of training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Minnesota practiced in helmets and shorts for approximately two hours in the most upbeat session of camp so far.
The Vikings have a walk-through scheduled Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and will have practice from 3 to 5 p.m.
Here are three observations from Thursday's session:
1. Going deep
The Vikings offense took to the skies during team drills Thursday, unleashing a handful of deep passes to stretch the field.
Wide receiver Cayleb Jones was on the receiving end of a pair of nice catches, including a tumbling sideline grab and another in which the former Arizona standout got past safety Jack Tocho and cornerback Sam Brown.
Wide receiver Jarius Wright also had a clutch grab at the end of practice in a team session during a late-game situation.
Quarterback Sam Bradford connected with Wright in the back of the end zone, leading to a regular-season like celebration from the offense.
"The game was on the line and he made the play," said wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. "We all celebrated and had fun with it."
2. Hill fills in
Left tackle Rashod Hill was thrown into the fire a bit Thursday as starter Riley Reiff missed a portion of practice.
Hill, who was signed by the Vikings off Jacksonville's practice squad late in the season, was tested by edge rushers Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter.
The 25-year-old out of Southern Mississippi produced a mixed bag of results but also held his own against the pair of defensive ends.
3. Youngsters step up
A pair of young Vikings cornerbacks made a splash Thursday against the first-team offense.
Trae Waynes had one of the prettiest defensive plays of the day when he showed great closing speed to bat away a deep pass intended for Stefon Diggs.
Mackensie Alexander was beat deep by Michael Floyd in one-on-one drills but rebounded to corral an interception in front of Adam Thielen. He later broke up a pass near the sideline intended for Isaac Fruechte.
