We’re rapidly crossing off the days until the start of the regular season, and while we’re not able to watch any NFL games today, Minnesota Vikings training camp is right around the corner. This will be your one-stop shop for all the necessary information about the Vikings’ training camp this summer.
Many were wondering if this was the offseason where the front office tore the band-aid off of Kirk Cousins and found a potential long-term solution at quarterback. Obviously, that didn’t happen, with other priorities taking over, such as reducing costs by shedding expensive veterans while bringing in a new defensive leader in coach Brian Flores. While many familiar faces have moved on, the Vikings are still excited about their chances to reach the postseason, but the work begins now.
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Let’s dive into our Minnesota Vikings training camp guide, previewing the schedule, top storylines, and frequently asked questions.
Minnesota Vikings training camp schedule
Minnesota Vikings training camp starts on Saturday, July 29, at 1 PM ET. Practice will begin at 3:30 PM ET and will typically run until 6 PM ET. The Vikings will also be holding joint practices with other teams this summer, with all events taking place at TCO Performance Center in Eagan.
- July 29 – Back Together Weekend – Practice begins at 3:30 PM ET, camp begins at 1 PM ET
- July 31 – Practice begins at 3:30 PM
- Aug. 1 – Practice begins at 3:30 PM
- Aug. 5 – Practice begins at 3:30 PM
- Aug. 6 – Practice begins at 3:30 PM
- Aug. 7 – Practice begins at 3:30 PM
- Aug. 12 – Practice begins at TBA
- Aug. 13 – Practice begins at 3:30 PM
- Aug. 16 – Joint practice with Tennessee Titans at TBA
- Aug. 17 – Joint practice with Tennessee Titans at TBA
- Aug. 23 – Joint practice with Arizona Cardinals at TBA
- Aug. 24 – Joint practice with Arizona Cardinals at TBA
Top storylines for Minnesota Vikings training camp
Alexander Mattison grabs hold of RB1 duties
After six seasons as the Vikings’ starting running back, Dalvin Cook is gone, and he’s taking his four Pro Bowl appearances with him. Left behind is Alexander Mattison, who the front office mildly rewarded with a two-year, $7 million extension this offseason. It’s clearly Mattison’s backfield now, but now everyone wants to see if he can continue to impress now that he’s in a starting role.
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Throughout Cook’s tenure, he’d often experience an injury setback, giving way to Mattison getting more opportunities. In the games Mattison started, he averaged a total of 115.5 yards per game. If that production continues, the Vikings will be better off.
But training camp will also be a great opportunity for the youngsters such as Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler, and DeWayne McBride to show that they’re capable of spelling Mattison when he needs a breather, proving capable as a change-of-pace back.
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Jordan Addison’s training camp debut
Another key contributor that Vikings fans won’t see this season is Adam Thielen. The two-time Pro Bowl receiver was also let go in a cap-savings move, and the front office added Jordan Addison with the 23rd overall pick instead.
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After starring at both Pittsburgh and USC, Addison is ready to take the league by storm. But Vikings fans shouldn’t expect the same impact witnessed from Justin Jefferson, when he went off for 1,400 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. But Addison won’t have to, with Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson soaking up most of Kirk Cousins’ targets.
If Addison can legitimately compete with K.J. Osborn as the starter opposite Jefferson, the Vikings will be off to a good start. Seeing how quickly Addison can immerse himself into the offense after missing time during rookie camp will be something for fans to follow along closely at TCO.
Can returning all five starters lead to better OL play?
Lackluster offensive line play has plagued the Vikings for years. One might even argue Cousins has never had a top-notch protection scheme in front of him. For the first time in his tenure, the Vikings will return all five starters on the line from the season before.
For four of the five starters, there isn’t much to prove. Sure, we’d like to see Ezra Cleveland continue to improve, Garrett Bradbury to show last season wasn’t a fluke, and for Christian Darrisaw to continue making a push toward becoming an All-Pro, but they’re not the problem.
We’re focused and worried about second-year pro Ed Ingram. He allowed 11 sacks starting at right guard and graded as one of the worst guards (57th out of 77) in the NFL per Pro Football Focus as a rookie. A former second-round pick, Ingram needs to play better to maintain his starting position.
Shaping the defensive backfield
While consistent QB play is always a huge factor for any football team, the onus in Minnesota is on the defense. Somehow this team won 13 games a season ago, despite allowing the 28th-most points per game. That’s just not a winning formula, and they proved that by losing in the Wild Card Round.
Last year’s defensive coordinator, Ed Donatell, was let go. He has since been replaced by a highly-respected defensive mind in former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, who brings an aggressive playing style to the Twin Cities.
But it won’t matter if Flores calls the best plays in the world if his secondary can’t hold their own. This is a passing defense that allowed the second-most yards in football a year ago, and they’ve only gotten younger at the position.
Aside from Byron Murphy Jr., we don’t know who will be starting at cornerback for the Vikings this season. There are several young candidates with potential, such as Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans, or Mekhi Blackmon, but they have to earn it first. That’s what training camp is for.
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FAQ for Vikings training camp
Where is Vikings training camp 2023?
Minnesota Vikings training camp is located in Eagan, Minnesota. The TCO Performance Center has served as the host for Vikings training camp since it was built in 2018, and that will continue in 2023.
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Can fans go to Vikings training camp?
Yes, the Vikings welcome all fans to their training camp practices. For more information regarding tickets to Vikings training camp and what items are permitted and forbidden, check out the team’s helpful guide here.
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Can you get autographs at Vikings training camp?
Yes, the Vikings will allow fans the opportunity to receive autographs from players before or after practices. There will be signs directing fans to an area labeled Autograph Zone, where some players will be after practice to sign things for fans. Here is the team’s autograph schedule, which is broken up by position group.
How much does it cost to go to Vikings training camp?
Regular and joint practices cost $5 for adults and are free for children 17 and under. Night practices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 17 and younger, but free for kids under 36 inches in height. Season ticket members get in for free with a ticket reservation.
