Setting the scene
Vikings day at camp: Offense a little rusty in first day's heat
The daily dispatch from Mankato:
July 27, 2015 at 3:51AM
It was a hot one in Mankato as the Vikings opened training camp Sunday. Temperatures were in the mid-80s, but it felt even hotter with the sun bearing down. The players were in helmets and shells during the afternoon practice. They won't be in full pads until Tuesday.
Offense starts cold
As is usually the case early in training camp, the defense looked better than the offense, mostly because the offense was so out of sync whenever the ball wasn't being handed to Adrian Peterson or a fellow back. Whether it was because of errant throws, collapsing pockets or miscommunication, a lot of passes hit the turf. Starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater fared all right, but it wasn't pretty for the three other guys.
Wallace works hard
New receiver Mike Wallace impressed with his work ethic during the first day of camp. He was relentless out there, going all-out to dive after low throws and at one point cussing himself out for not scooping one of them off the grass. And then he was the last man off the field again after his standard post-practice JUGS machine session. I know it's early in his tenure here, but he has been a tone-setter.
Babs' uneven day
Big offensive tackle Babatunde Aiyegbusi produced inconsistent results in 11-on-11 work. He bulldozed rookie defensive end Danielle Hunter on one running play, but got beat by Hunter in pass protection and had to tackle him to keep him away from the quarterback. Linebacker Josh Kaddu also beat Aiyegbusi wide once with a speed rush.
Camp chatter
"This is one of the hottest days it's been in four years here for me. … But there was a lot of energy."
— Receiver Jarius Wright
Injury report
• CB Josh Robinson, who started camp on the PUP list because of the pectoral muscle he injured in June, said there is a chance he could be ready by Week 1, though he didn't say it with much confidence.
• NT Shamar Stephen and WR DaVaris Daniels also sat out because of injuries.
• LB Josh Kaddu limped off near the end of practice.
Schedule
Monday-Wednesday: 10:30-11:30 a.m. (walk-through) and 2:45-5 p.m.
Thursday: No practice
More from Mankato
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Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
