EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings opened their mandatory three-day minicamp Tuesday with a couple of celebrations.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw participated in individual drills with the offensive line group. It was an encouraging sight in the fifth-year pro's return from a knee injury in Week 8 of 2024. Darrisaw and other linemen worked through footwork drills. He also joined in combo block drills. Veteran addition Justin Skule again filled in at left tackle with the first team during the team period.
There also was cause for celebration for tight end Josh Oliver, who agreed to a three-year contract extension just before Tuesday's session, which began around midday as temperatures began climbing. Oliver caught a deep pass from J.J. McCarthy down the seam in Minnesota's second 7-on-7 period of the day.
The team spent a little more time on the field than it did during practices of the first two weeks of Organized Team Activity practices but continued to emphasize taking care of each other.
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Murphy a ball magnet
Byron Murphy, Jr., picked up where he left off in 2024. Murphy broke cleanly on a pass to the outside, caught it in stride and glided for what would have been a pick six.
The play occurred on the third throw of the first 7-on-7 period.
Murphy recorded a career-best six interceptions last season, boosting his career total to 14 and making his first Pro Bowl, where he claimed Defensive MVP honors after returning an interception 8 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The offseason re-signing took snaps, as did newcomers Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, at corner with the first grouping. He wasn't done tracking footballs for the day, either.
Murphy opted to line up behind the goalpost during the kicking period that included Will Reichard making a 52-yarder to finish the day. Murphy caught the kicked footballs after they passed through the uprights.
2. Bounce back includes long TD
McCarthy showed no ill-effects from the nice play by Murphy. He drilled a throw to Jalen Nailor on the following snap to finish his first four throws in 7-on-7, which also included a pair of completions to T.J. Hockenson.
McCarthy's day included completions to Justin Jefferson, several more to Hockenson and multiple connections with Jordan Addison.
He fit the ball into tight windows and cashed in when Addison got behind the defense for a trip to pay dirt.
3. Runners as receivers
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has emphasized how the offseason practices feel more like a passing camp than anything.
Certainly more so than training camp, particularly once pads start popping a few days after the annual tradition begins.
The Vikings did work on a few runs with Aaron Jones, Sr., and Jordan Mason during the team period.
That session also included some play-action concepts and throws to each back.
View the 2025 Vikings Schedule.
Check out the 2025 International games.
View more future opponents for the Vikings.
Buy single game tickets.
Download the official Vikings App.
