EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings went full pads and full-throttle through a variety of scenarios Wednesday as Head Coach Kevin O'Connell utilized a scrimmage format that impacted all three phases of football.

It was an intense way to wrap a unique practice week before going through day-before-game meetings and traveling Thursday to Tennessee where the Vikings will close their preseason against the Titans at 7 p.m. (CT) Friday in a game broadcast nationally by CBS.

Minnesota participated in multiple "move-the-ball" periods and proceeded through special teams scenarios of kickoff coverage, kick return, punt coverage, punt return and field goals. There also was a bit of work in the red zone and a 2-minute drill to end the nearly two-hour session, which included a 12-minute halftime to mirror a game.

Jalen Nailor, Harrison Smith, Ambry Thomas, C.J. Ham, Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman, Henry Byrd and Harrison Phillips did not participate.

Justin Jefferson did not participate in team periods but did do other work. Christian Darrisaw participated in some team reps and was replaced by Justin Skule at left tackle. Levi Drake Rodriguez, Jeshaun Jones and Tyler Batty returned to action.

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

1. Greenard and Turner fan flames of defense's heat

O'Connell and other coaches haven't shied away from expecting some big things from outside linebacker Dallas Turner in his second pro season. The head coach said he considers Turner, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel as three starter-level players.

Van Ginkel has been sidelined, and Turner has repeatedly shined during reps at different points of camp.

The 2024 first-round pick has shown an explosive first step off the snap that fuels speed rushes. He's also shown power and finesse. Turner had a tackle for loss on a run by Ty Chandler early and made a case for at least two sacks of J.J. McCarthy, including one with the QB in his own end zone.

Greenard, half of the returning Pro Bowl duo with Van Ginkel, left fingerprints over multiple periods of practice. He had a would-be sack of Sam Howell during the defense's first opportunity against the second-team offense. In the next period against the first team, he ripped through the line of scrimmage for a tackle for loss on a run by Jordan Mason and teamed with Jalen Redmond to meet McCarthy in the backfield.

Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen also looked like he would have recorded a sack for a safety when the first-team offense was backed up against its own end zone.

Beyond those efforts, the Vikings defense worked in some linebacker and safety blitzes to continue battle-testing the offense. On one blitz by Ivan Pace, Jr., Greenard batted down an outlet pass at the line of scrimmage.

We'll also mention Joshua Metellus snagging the day's lone interception after a pass intended for Zavier Scott bounced up.

2. McCarthy to Addison a thing of beauty and sign of confidence

McCarthy described during a media session after Wednesday's practice how his environment with the Vikings supports his confidence level.

There were several throws within the day that show his confidence, whether it was zipping passes over the middle to receiving targets before defenders could get there. He worked the ball through progressions to receivers, tight ends and running backs after reading coverages.

Back-to-back passes to Jordan Addison in the red zone stood out the most. On a second-and-6 from the 16, McCarthy used play-action and rolled out but zoomed one to Addison at the 1.

The following snap, which was scripted as a third-and-5 from the 15, he took a shot to Addison against 1-on-1 coverage by Isaiah Rodgers. The cornerback looked in great position, but Addison snared the humming pigskin from the sky.

In the 2-minute drill to close practice, McCarthy calmly converted a third-and-3 with a pass to Aaron Jones, Sr., and a third-and-3 with a 7-yard gain to T.J. Hockenson. He also rolled out to evade a pressure and lofted a football to Jones for a gain of 30, but the play was erased by a holding penalty that created first-and-20 at the offense's 47 with 26 seconds remaining. The clock ran out as McCarthy completed a pass to Josh Oliver for a gain of 22 to the defense's 20.

3. Surveying the specialists

Kicker Will Reichard attempted three field goals in the first half with Ryan Wright holding and was good from 48 and 52 yards but was wide left from 56. He also attempted three in the second half with Oscar Chapman holding and made from 40, 43 and 47 yards.

Reichard ended the session with a successful kick (with Wright holding) from the distance of an extra point. Elsewhere during the session, he implemented multiple types of kickoffs.

Wright, the incumbent, and Chapman continued competing at punter.

Myles Price handled kickoff and punt return duties.