EAGAN, Minn. — The first practice of 2025 Vikings Training Camp presented by Omni Viking Lakes is in the books.

Although players were just in helmets and shorts to start the camp acclimation period, the tempo was fast, cutting through the thick, humid air inside the non-climate controlled Indoor Practice Facility. Wednesday's session was initially planned for outside, but moved inside because of afternoon rain.

The Vikings quickly moved through special teams work and a period that focuses on ball security before individual drills and some team and 7-on-7 work with a few highlights by the offense and defense.

The day concluded with a tight-window throw from J.J. McCarthy to T.J. Hockenson along the sideline. The second-year QB and first-year starter zipped the ball, and Hockenson secured it.

The play built on recent work the duo put together in Tennessee with several Vikings teammates. Every whisker of Hockenson's beard and Norseman-like mustache dripped with sweat as he talked about his impressions of McCarthy and gratefulness to be on the field for a full offseason.

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

1. Gink! & Pace Pick a Pair

Cue Bradley Cooper's character Phil from The Hangover series, "It happened again."

Just like that franchise, Andrew Van Ginkel appears prepped for another sequel.

The outside linebacker who signed a contract extension this offseason quickly pounced on a receiver screen, secured the offering from backup QB Brett Rypien and took it the distance during a team period.

The play was eerily similar to Van Ginkel's Vikings debut, when he nabbed a short pass by Daniel Jones and trotted for a touchdown — his first of two pick sixes recorded in 2024.

The pick by Van Ginkel was an encore in another way Wednesday, quickly following up an interception of Sam Howell by linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr., earlier during the practice period.

2. Hitting in stride

McCarthy showed his arm strength on several passes, including some in close quarters with defense. He had another connection with Hockenson over the middle during 7-on-7 a couple of snaps before unfurling a deep pass to Jordan Addison down the right sideline for a touchdown.

Addison leads Minnesota with 19 receiving touchdowns since his selection in 2023, and he is one of five players since 1990 with at least nine receiving touchdowns in each of his first two seasons, joining Ja'Marr Chase, Odell Beckham, Jr., Rob Gronkowski and Randy Moss.

3. O-line glimpse

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell mentioned Tuesday that offensive linemen Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries would open camp without an injury designation and be able to participate in on-field activities.

Although Darrisaw (at left tackle) and Fries (at right guard) didn't line up in team periods, there were a few snaps where they joined the offensive line with rookie Donovan Jackson at left guard, veteran signee Ryan Kelly at center and Brian O'Neill at right tackle.

Veteran newcomer Justin Skule lined up at left tackle in place of Darrisaw, and Blake Brandel, who started at left guard in 2024, lined up at right guard with the first group during team drills.

O'Connell said Wednesday he could envision Brandel playing up to three different positions.