EAGAN, Minn. — Justin Jefferson was back in (limited) action Monday for the first time since July 24.
He participated in individual drills as the superstar's on-field ramp-up began with eyes on Minnesota's Week 1 game at Chicago (Sept. 8 on Monday Night Football).
The Vikings returned to practice (without fans in attendance now that training camp is closed to the public) for a shorter session than some days. Players wore helmets and shells after having Sunday as an off day.
The team will focus again on the top of the roster during practices this week but is expected to rest most starters when the Vikings conclude the 2025 preseason at the Tennessee Titans. Kickoff is 7 p.m. (CT) Friday.
Jalen Nailor, Harrison Smith, C.J. Ham, Andrew Van Ginkel, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Henry Byrd and Tyler Batty did not participate.
Vikings Legend Chad Greenway and his family visited practice.
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. 'Tellus & Cash'
The last time Joshua Metellus took the field it didn't look good. He landed awkwardly Thursday while trying to prevent a Hail Mary pass by the Patriots.
By Monday, however, he was back at it, participating throughout the session and leaving a mark.
The highlight occurred when he secured a ball that was tipped by cornerback Isaiah Rodgers for an interception. Rodgers made a nice play to get his hand into the throwing lane at the right moment to deny a pass J.J. McCarthy zipped toward Lucky Jackson, and Metellus pulled in the football along the sideline. Metellus also showed up later in the session with his coverage that took away receiving options.
Linebacker Blake Cashman also showed his ball skills in nabbing a throw intended for Jackson over the middle. It looked like Jonathan Greenard would have had a sack on the play before McCarthy released the football.
McCarthy, by the way, had gone 6-for-6 during the 7-on-7 reps with three completions to T.J. Hockenson, one to Jordan Addison, one to Josh Oliver and one to Jordan Mason.
2. Pressuring the pocket
We mentioned Greenard getting in the backfield for a would-be sack earlier, but we'll also note how he smothered Addison in the back field after a quick pass for a TFL.
Other defenders also spent time across the line of scrimmage. Javon Hargrave continued his impressive camp with a pair of nice rushes that stood out, and Dallas Turner exploded off the edge on at least two occasions that likely would have been sacks.
Minnesota's defense continued to refine its ability to attack from multiple directions.
3. Eyeing the line
Christian Darrisaw continued stacking reps with the first group at left tackle. Donovan Jackson (left guard), Ryan Kelly (center), Will Fries (right guard) and Brian O'Neill (right tackle) joined him before Darrisaw was relieved by Justin Skule.
The Vikings shuffled through some combinations on the offensive line.
Skule additionally took reps at right tackle, and Walter Rouse took reps at left tackle to bookend a second grouping of LG Blake Brandel, C Michael Jurgens and RG Joe Huber.
View the 2025 Vikings Schedule.
Check out the 2025 International games.
View future opponents for the Vikings.
Buy single game tickets.
Download the official Vikings App.
