The Minnesota Vikings returned to practice on Wednesday at TCO Performance Center after a brief break. Although not action-packed, some standout moments emerged, particularly from a new wide receiver.
With Justin Jefferson sidelined due to a hamstring injury and Jordan Addison facing a three-game suspension, opportunities have opened up for other players. One of those is Rondale Moore. The Vikings signed him to a one-year deal after he missed last season recovering from an ACL injury. He’s back now and showing impressive speed and agility.
During practice, Moore made a mark. He outran Dwight McGlothern on a go route for a touchdown during red zone drills. In a later segment, he caught two passes in a row from quarterback Sam Howell, one of which was an impressive grab despite being slightly low. Moore even took a turn with the first-team offense, catching a pass from J.J. McCarthy.
At just 25 years old and 5’7″, Moore is a dynamic player with quickness that can be disruptive in a game. Over three seasons with the Cardinals, he tallied 135 receptions and had 52 rushing attempts. If he secures a spot on the roster, he could serve multiple roles: a gadget player, a traditional slot receiver, and a potential punt returner.
McCarthy had a decent practice as well. While it wasn’t heavy on long throws, he generally looked solid, aside from one interception. The connection between McCarthy and Addison has been strong throughout camp. They linked up multiple times during the session, including a tight-window pass over the middle and another chunk gain down the right sideline.
However, not all of McCarthy’s passes were successful. During drills, a back-shoulder throw intended for Addison was defended well by Isaiah Rodgers. Later, McCarthy made a risky decision, leading to another interception by linebacker Blake Cashman. These missteps are valuable learning experiences for the young quarterback.
As the season edges closer, the Vikings are making strategic adjustments to their roster that might lead to fresh plays and new talents taking the spotlight. With practice sessions highlighting both struggles and successes, fans eagerly await how these developments will unfold when the games begin.
For more on the Vikings and their season updates, visit the official Minnesota Vikings website.
