EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings hit the practice field in full pads again at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, practicing for roughly 90 minutes on a warm Tuesday afternoon.
Defensive end Danielle Hunter, guard Dru Samia and tight end Nakia Griffin-Stewart did not practice. Neither did linebacker Ben Gedeon, who is currently on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List.
Here are three observations from Tuesday's session presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud Ophthalmology Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
View photos of Vikings players from a Verizon Vikings Training Camp padded practice at TCO Performance Center.
1. Dalvin gets involved
Dalvin Cook hadn't done much work through the first three practices open to the media, including Monday's first session in pads.
But Cook was more involved Tuesday, taking part in team drills and looking like the Pro-Bowl running back he is.
Cook participated in a handful of snaps with the first-team offense, and looked smooth on the first play, a handoff to the left that likely would have went for a 10-plus yard gain.
The running back later took a handoff to the right and looked explosive, and also caught a swing pass in the right flat from quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer has said the team's goal is to get him ready for the season as contract negotiations continue between the Vikings and his representation, but Cook looked in fine form Tuesday.
2. Right side of OL looks strong
The right side of the Vikings offensive line features some familiar faces, even if one player is in a new position.
Garrett Bradbury (center) and Brian O'Neill (right tackle) return from their starting spots from 2019, while Pat Elflein has shifted to the right side after spending the past two seasons at left side.
The three linemen each won both of their individual reps in 1-on-1 drills on Tuesday. Bradbury walled off Shamar Stephen and Jaleel Johnson, while Elflein got the best of Hercules Mata'afa on the interior. O'Neill was also solid as he went up against Jalyn Holmes.
That trio also opened up some holes in 11-on-11 drills, including for a sizable run for Alexander Mattison in the first team period of practice.
3. Bailey continues hot start
Dan Bailey is off to a perfect start in camp, as the veteran kicker nailed all four of his kicks Tuesday.
Bailey hit a PAT and a pair of 41-yarders in team drills, while also adding a 48-yard kick that was true.
So far in camp, Bailey has made all seven of his opportunities, with the kicks ranging from 33 to 48 yards.
Bailey was a three-time NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in 2019 as he made 27 of 29 field goal tries.
