EAGAN, Minn. — A day removed from wearing full pads for the first time of 2024 Vikings Training Camp, the group returned to the field Tuesday in helmets, shells under jerseys and shorts.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell designed the day to finish with a specific focus on a part of the field where decisions and executions can prove pivotal.

He had the team conclude with a special situational period in which the offense faced a third down, and then, depending on the play's results, the team could punt on fourth down, attempt a long field goal or keep the offense on the field.

"We've got a couple of unique things today that we're gonna do from a standpoint of some situations in the game that'll involve the punter a little bit, you know," O'Connell explained before practice. " 'Do we punt? Do we go for a long field goal, do we go for a fourth down kind of in the middle area of the field?' It's really a team drill on a less-than-full-volume day where we're trying to make sure we get great work in without it being super taxing on the guys' legs … trying to have those critical punts and kicks that decide a lot of games in this league."

Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:

1. Pinning the punts, tracking the kicks

Returnee Ryan Wright and newcomer Seth Vernon are competing for the punting job, and each had an opportunity to execute as part of the aforementioned scenario.

After a third-down pass from Sam Darnold to Aaron Jones, Sr., was stopped shy of the sticks, Wright punted with the line of scrimmage at the defense's 45-yard line and was able to down his attempt at the 2.

Similarly, a third-down pass from J.J. McCarthy to Robert Tonyan was stopped shy of the line to gain. Vernon punted with the line of scrimmage at the 50 and downed the ball at the 3.

Kicker Will Reichard, a sixth-round pick who won the kicking competition with consistent accuracy, attempted and missed from 52 and 54 yards before aiming true on a 55-yarder.

Other plays during the session included a pair of catches by Jalen Nailor to move the chains.

2. Red hot in the red zone

The Vikings put in some good work in the "lower" red zone, beginning plays at or inside the 10-yard line.

Darnold connected with Brandon Powell, who was able to reach the ball across the goal line, but a pass to Johnny Mundt was broken up by Joshua Metellus.

McCarthy was particularly locked in, finding touchdowns to Trishton Jackson, Nailor, Nick Muse and Jeshaun Jones.

He nearly added another to Lucky Jackson, but the catchable pass was dropped. McCarthy went over after the play and encouraged his teammate.

3. Explosive gains

Early in practice, McCarthy launched a 60-yard touchdown to Trishton Jackson, who got behind Camryn Bynum on a play-action pass.

The run game also popped a couple of explosives with Aaron Jones (twice) and Ty Chandler (once) streaking through for substantial gains.