EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings opened their 2024 training camp Wednesday with a welcome enthusiasm, as well as a visual tribute.
The body clocks of players and coaches know the calendar has reached the point where it's time to get back at it.
They wore helmets and shorts for the 90-minute session, which is the first stage of the ramp-up process toward donning pads for the first time next Monday.
As they walked from the locker room to the fields, they passed a white circle with the initials KJ painted on the grass. Another circle with the initials has been painted on a grass berm and features a gold ring around a purple backdrop. The initials, of course, are part of the tribute to rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who died in a July 6 car crash.
The group will have sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the latter of which will be the first practice attended by fans.
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Darnold to Jefferson
Twice was nice on a pair of deep passes from Sam Darnold to Justin Jefferson.
The new Vikings QB, who signed as a free agent after Kirk Cousins departed, was able to throw with Jefferson a bit during the team's mandatory minicamp in June.
They picked up where they left off from that limited experience.
Jefferson streaked through the second-team defense, catching the ball at the 10 and cruising into the end zone for his first touchdown of training camp from Darnold. Safety Lewis Cine and cornerback Andrew Booth, Jr., were the closest defenders.
Darnold and Jefferson later connected again with Jefferson getting past cornerback A.J. Green III.
The QB tried to connect with the phenom on a shorter pass against new cornerback Shaq Griffin, but the veteran addition broke it up.
2. On the offensive line
Much talk on Tuesday and Wednesday centered on the contract extension agreed to by Christian Darrisaw, who explained how much he wanted to continue his career in Minnesota.
The Vikings have their starting left tackle spot on lock through 2029 via the extension, which will be added to the two years remaining on Darrisaw's rookie contract.
The Vikings are evaluating the left guard spot next to Darrisaw and opted to have 2020 sixth-round pick Blake Brandel take first-team reps.
Brandel has been a versatile backup for a few seasons and opened the offseason program at the spot with the first grouping.
After the offseason program started, the Vikings brought back Dalton Risner.
View photos of players during 2024 Vikings Training Camp practice on July 24 at the TCO Performance Center.
3. First action for Van Ginkel and Richter
The Vikings added edge rushers in free agency, the draft and after the annual selection meeting.
Andrew Van Ginkel signed as free agency opened, reconnecting with Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores, who had been his head coach in Miami. Van Ginkel spent the spring rehabbing a foot injury but was able to participate in Wednesday's session.
He was involved in 7-on-7 drills with a group that included Griffin and Byron Murphy, Jr., at cornerback, Ivan Pace, Jr., at linebacker and safeties Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus.
Undrafted rookie free agent Bo Richter also participated in team drills after rehabbing during the spring. The Air Force product made sure to put in extra work after practice.
