EAGAN, Minn. — Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on Tuesday opted to have players wear shells one day after (and one before) having them sport full pads for the first and second time of 2025 Vikings Training Camp.

Veterans Harrison Smith, C.J. Ham, Joshua Metellus, Christian Darrisaw, Ryan Kelly, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave did not participate.

Darrisaw continues to work his way back from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in Week 8. Metellus participated Monday for the first time after missing a few sessions because of a minor ankle injury.

Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers returned to action after dealing with what O'Connell said was "some soreness."

Justin Jefferson is sidelined while dealing with a "very minor hamstring strain" but continued to support teammates, played catch with O'Connell and tossed tennis balls back and forth with Jordan Addison in a hand-eye coordination drill.

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

1. Tight ends in the red zone

The Vikings obviously are excited to return T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver at tight end but need to add to the position group after the departure of Johnny Mundt in free agency.

Draft pick Gavin Bartholomew is on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List.

Undrafted rookies Ben Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit, as well as fourth-year pro Giovanni Ricci, took plentiful reps during red zone 7-on-7 drills.

Yurosek caught a touchdown from Brett Rypien and Sam Howell. Nesbit caught one from Max Brosmer and one from Howell. Ricci caught passes from Rypien and Howell. He also took some fullback reps during a team period in place of Ham.

2. Situationally speaking

The Vikings spent a significant chunk of time working their way through different types of scenarios that can present conundrums for coaches.

The team had the ball in "plus" territory, the defense's side of the 50-yard line and faced different distances on third and fourth downs.

Sometimes it was a long distance; other times it was a short distance. O'Connell then opted to either punt or attempt a field goal or go for it on fourth down.

It was the first time the team had gone through any of these situations in 2025, and results favored the defense.

A 53-yard field goal attempt by Will Reichard missed after hitting the left upright, but he bounced back with a 50-yard field goal and a 49-yarder on his next opportunities.

Punters Ryan Wright and Oscar Chapman tried to drop their kicks shy of the end zone, but the efforts resulted in touchbacks.

Dallas Turner, Tyler Batty and Gabriel Murphy all had nice pressure-causing rushes during the session.

Reichard also kicked in a separate period. He was good from 33, 43 and 48 but was wide right from 46.

3. "Nudie" on way to a streak?

Second-year cornerback Dwight "Nudie" McGlothern recorded an interception for the second time in as many days.

He had replied to a post of Monday's interception by saying "Let's keep stacking."

And did just that Tuesday, picking off a pass from Howell intended for Tai Felton. McGlothern celebrated Tuesday's swipe by acting like the football was a pillow. He'll go for a streak of three on Wednesday when players are back in pads.

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