EAGAN, Minn. — A physical practice is par for the course, because it's a physical game.
On far and away the prettiest weather day and chippiest practice of 2025 Vikings Training Camp, the offense and defense exchanged jabs and at one point huddled together to settle down their emotions.
Saturday's session featured a surge from the offense and more fruit from Minnesota's consistently high-performing defense. Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy found a groove with third-year receiver Jordan Addison, and sack leader Jonathan Greenard stifled a fourth-and-goal doing what he does best.
It was exactly the kind of practice that fosters improvement from both sides.
Toward the end, the offense simulated a mayday situation and hurried off the field in favor of the field goal unit. Kicker Will Reichard sailed one into the gorgeous sky and through the uprights. The practice ended with a period of point-after-attempts and progressively farther field goals that Reichard attempted.
Justin Jefferson remains sidelined with a "very minor hamstring strain" but engaged throughout practice with teammates and coaches. Tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is easing into a larger workload, defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, receiver Robert Lewis and safety Jay Ward also did not participate.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson stopped practicing but stayed on the field.
Sunday's session is closed to the public. Fans will return for Monday's night practice at TCO Stadium.
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
View photos of players during 2025 Training Camp practice on August 2 at the TCO Performance Center.
J.J. to J.A.
A sell-out crowd got to see burgeoning chemistry between McCarthy and Addison.
After leaning into a series of run plays and screens in a team period, drawing defenders forward, McCarthy took advantage of their eagerness and looped a pinpoint pass to Addison up the left sideline. To make the throw, McCarthy moved off his platform, evading pressure by Levi Drake Rodriguez. Addison separated from mismatched outside linebacker Bo Richter, who was in a trail position, to secure the ball.
The quarterback-receiver connection got hotter as the afternoon breeze cooled.
On the first snap of 7-on-7, McCarthy zipped a ball to Addison in a compact window. Byron Murphy, Jr., broke aggressively on it but failed to break it up. The whistling pass and Addison's strong hands generated delighted approvals from Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and Quarterbacks Coach Josh McCown.
Later in the same period, McCarthy hit Addison in rhythm on an in-breaking route, earning the quarterback a hand slap from O'Connell. The players bonded again low in the red zone, when McCarthy flicked a high ball that Addison corralled for six despite tight coverage from Dwight "Nudie" McGlothern.
After that touchdown toss, McCarthy visited with Addison and Jefferson and enjoyed some good vibes.
Impact offense
McCarthy's aforementioned lob to Addison up the left sideline initiated a super sequence of plays.
On the next snap, McCarthy handed off to Aaron Jones, Sr., who bounced off quick contact, cut right and squirted through a scrum into open space. Instead of letting up after reaching green gas, Jones stepped on the gas. His explosive rush set the table for strapping running mate Jordan Mason, who took the next two carries and embraced punishment as he barreled through tackle attempt after tackle attempt.
After one of Mason's physical runs, rookie guard Donovan Jackson faced the stands and yelled excitedly.
The four consecutive plays demonstrated McCarthy's patience and accuracy, and the backfield's prowess.
Undrafted rookie watch
Keenan Garber, who transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback at Kansas State, concluded the 7-on-7 period with an interception of fellow undrafted rookie and local Gophers product Max Brosmer.
Garber played three college seasons on offense before switching to the "dark side."
Another young defensive back, Zemaiah Vaughn, utilized his fantastic length to nullify a pass from Sam Howell to Thayer Thomas. Similar to Garber, Vaughn is relatively inexperienced at cornerback, shifting there from quarterback as a walk-on at Utah. Vaughn wound up starting 31 games in a row for the Utes.
Undrafted outside linebacker Tyler Batty also made a splash play Saturday, exploding off the line and springing into Jones to notch a very loud tackle for loss. Batty's thump prompted some good-loving shoving.
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