EAGAN, Minn. — Fans packed TCO Stadium Monday night to enjoy the longstanding tradition of Minnesota's night practice, and this time they saw J.J. McCarthy under the lights.
The Vikings QB was unable to participate as a rookie last year because of a torn meniscus suffered in Minnesota's 2024 preseason opener.
This time, the night practice was placed ahead of Saturday's first preseason game against the Houston Texans (click here for tickets), and he showed his speed during some scrambles and bought time before throwing a touchdown to Jordan Addison.
The evening concluded with an impressive kicking display by Will Reichard, who aimed true from 48 to finish a 2-minute drill and followed with makes from 33, 45, 46, 49 and 51 yards.
Head Coach Kevin O'Connell offered up some comments of appreciation to the fans, and Paul Allen handled player introductions as they tossed mini footballs to the crowd before a fireworks display.
"Whether it's your first time coming out to watch us practice, the first time coming to the night practice, I just want to tell you guys something: We have the best fans in the National Football League," O'Connell said. "And I really believe that now going on four years, but I have to say this year just kind of feels different. The energy during the day over there, when we practice on the other side, on our fields, has been phenomenal. Tonight, felt it from the jump, you guys and your energy for these guys right here.
"And let me tell you something, they deserve it. They deserve it. This football team is having a great camp," O'Connell continued. "You guys know this about me. I'm not really in the prediction game. I'm not in that business, but I can tell you right now what we're forging in this group, this football team right here, I think you're gonna be very proud of this team this year. We're gonna get ready to go to work, and Monday Night Football at Chicago is going to come here before you know it."
It's unequivocally true. In just five weeks, the Vikings will be opening their regular season against the Bears at Soldier Field.
Receiver Justin Jefferson remains sidelined because of a hamstring strain but received a raucous ovation from the crowd. Tight end T.J. Hockenson, center Ryan Kelly and Joshua Metellus were dealing with what O'Connell described as "some day-to-day normal training camp bumps and bruises."
Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and safety Harrison Smith had the night off, as part of Minnesota's plan for the veterans.
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1. Take two
Theo Jackson and Jay Ward were called upon to play safety with the first-team defense, and Ward was able to nab an interception in the end zone.
He showed good reaction and hands when a pass from Brett Rypien bounced off the hands of running back Zavier Scott.
Rookie safety Mishael Powell also reeled in a pick in the previous period of practice. He corralled a pass from Max Brosmer that bounced off the hands of receiver Dontae Fleming.
2. Birthday bash
Levi Drake Rodriguez, 25, and Jonathan Harris, 29, each celebrated their birthdays on Monday.
Rodriguez was particularly fired up, executing multiple SKOL Chants, and showing some explosive power at the line of scrimmage in 1-on-1 drills against Henry Byrd and during team periods.
Jalen Redmond wasn't celebrating a birthday, but the fellow defensive lineman got in on some bashing, as well as veteran Javon Hargrave.
3. Developmental drive
Brosmer, who a year ago was prepping for his first season at the University of Minnesota, got a special opportunity to lead the developmental offense against the developmental defense in a 2-minute drill.
The drive began auspiciously with a false start on rookie tackle Logan Brown, making it a first-and-15 for the offense at its 35-yard line with 55 seconds left, but Brosmer showed composure with a pass to running back Tre Stewart for 13.
After an incompletion on second down, the QB scrambled for a gain of about 15 and then drilled a throw to Fleming to put the ball within range for Reichard with time to spare.
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