Riley Reiff still out with a back injury as Vikings get back to work

Rashod Hill continues to work in Reiff's place at left tackle, and the Vikings gave Pat Elflein some brief work as the first-team right guard during their morning walk-through.

August 2, 2017 at 11:00PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

MANKATO, Minn. — The Vikings returned to Minnesota State on Wednesday morning, getting back to work after their first off-day of training camp on Tuesday. They still are, however, without their starting left tackle.

Riley Reiff, who hasn't practiced since leaving the team's first full-squad session of camp last Thursday, missed his fifth consecutive practice on Wednesday and wasn't seen on the field during either the Vikings' morning or afternoon sessions. That, coach Mike Zimmer indicated after practice, was because Reiff is dealing with a back injury.

"He's here," Zimmer said. "Just standing around with the back isn't very good."

Zimmer said Reiff "felt a lot better today," but added it might be a couple more days before the left tackle returns to work.

Rashod Hill continues to work in Reiff's place at left tackle, and the Vikings gave Pat Elflein some brief work as the first-team right guard during their morning walk-through.

"I think, even though we're mixing it up a little bit, those guys are getting a feel for working together," offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said. "I think that's as critical in an offensive line group as just blocking your guy — how you're coordinated. Are you on the front side or the back side of a scoop? Are you buy yourself because somebody's pulling. I think the coaches and the players in that room have done a nice job."

Running back Jerick McKinnon was able to take a few snaps after missing time with an injury, but linebacker Kentrell Brothers and cornerback Tre Roberson remained out. So did running back Latavius Murray and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, who are on the physically-unable-to-perform list and non-football injury list, respectively.

about the writer

about the writer

Ben Goessling

Sports reporter

Ben Goessling has covered the Vikings since 2012, first at the Pioneer Press and ESPN before becoming the Minnesota Star Tribune's lead Vikings reporter in 2017. He was named one of the top NFL beat writers by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2024, after honors in the AP Sports Editors and National Headliner Awards contests in 2023.

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