EAGAN, Minn. — Training camp is off and running as the Vikings held their second practice on Thursday afternoon at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.
Rookies, all quarterbacks and other select players practiced in helmets and shells for more than 90 minutes, with a misty rain present near the end of practice.
Remaining veterans are slated to report on Friday, but the rookies' practice has been canceled so the team can attend the memorial service for offensive line coach Tony Sparano. The first full-team practice is scheduled for Saturday.
Here are three observations from Thursday's session:
1. Spreading the ball around
The Vikings quarterbacks spread the wealth Thursday as multiple receivers got their chance to impress coaches.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins connected with wide receiver Chad Beebe on a corner route. Beebe, who is **trying to capitalize on his quickness**, made a couple more nice catches.
Wide receiver Cayleb Jones made a nice sideline catch in front of cornerback Horace Richardson early on and later showed strong hands to corral a pass over the middle.
2. Home run
The longest play of the day was what would have been a 70-plus yard touchdown run by running back Roc Thomas.
The former Jacksonville State standout took a handoff and darted right before cutting back to the left with nothing but green grass in front of him. Right tackle Brian O'Neill and right guard Colby Gossett, who were drafted in April, helped clear the way for Thomas.
Fellow running backs Dalvin Cook and Mike Boone celebrated a bit as Thomas made the long jog back to the huddle.
3. Anxious to get started
A pair of Vikings look like they can't wait to get training camp underway.
Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson was at the facility Thursday and checked in on practice for a few minutes while standing in the weight room.
A few minutes later, Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen stopped by to watch practice for roughly 15 minutes. The All-Pro wide receiver was joined by his son, Asher, who will turn 2 in October.
