Watch CBS News

2023 Vikings training camp tracker: Follow the latest news and roster updates

get the free app
  • link copied
Vikings unveil new retro uniforms honoring '60s, '70s drips 00:49

Training camp for the Minnesota Vikings is officially underway at the team's headquarters, TCO Performance Center, in Eagan.

There are plenty of storylines to follow this offseason, including looming contract decisions for superstar players, a revamped defense under a new coordinator, and an offense that hopes to improve on its success from last year. 

RELATED: Vikings release 2023 training camp schedule: Here are all the details

This year, the team will be hosting joint practice sessions with two NFL teams: The Tennessee Titans and the Arizona Cardinals. Last offseason, Minnesota had one team, the San Francisco 49ers, come to Eagan for a joint practice. The Vikings will also have two night practices this camp. 

Follow all the news and updates from camp below:

 

Preseason power rankings put Vikings in middle of the pack

ESPN released its preseason NFL power rankings Monday, and the reigning division champions of the NFC North may not be as high as fans would like.

Click here to find out where the Vikings landed.  

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings sign XFL QB Jordan Ta'amu

The Minnesota Vikings are adding another arm to their quarterback room. The team announced Monday the signing of Jordan Ta'amu.

Arlington Renegades v DC Defenders - 2023 XFL Championship
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 13 : Jordan Ta'amu #10 of the DC Defenders escapes for an apparent touchdown against Arlington Renegades but a penalty nullified the play during the first half of XFL Championship game at the Alamodome on May 13 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Ronald Cortes / Getty Images

Click here to read the full story.

By WCCO Staff
 

Kirk Cousins caught doing a Griddy, sorta

At Vikings training camp this week, Dustin Klug caught QB Kirk Cousins catching a touchdown pass from what appeared to be two, maybe three feet, and then immediately channeling his inner Justin Jefferson and performing a tentative, stumblebum "Griddy" dance in the "end zone."

The reaction was ... well, not auspicatory.

By WCCO Staff
 

QB Kirk Cousins praises running back room

Despite the team's continued due diligence at the running back position (see below), starting quarterback Kirk Cousins had a lot of great things to say about the RB room. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings sign rookie running back, waive kicker

The Vikings announced Thursday the signing of rookie running back Aaron Dykes. The team also waived kicker Jack Podlesny. 

Dykes joins the team as an undrafted free agent. He played college football at the University of Richmond and is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee. 

By WCCO Staff
 

First-round pick Jordan Addison is in concussion protocol

Minnesota Vikings first-round wide receiver Jordan Addison will miss Saturday's preseason game due to an injury.

According to head coach Kevin O'Connell, Addison was put in concussion protocol out of extra caution when he went to the ground in a 2-minute drill at training camp earlier this week.

[Click here for more]

By WCCO Staff
 

The Titans are here...

The Vikings are hosting the Tennesse Titans for joint practice Wednesday. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings' Justin Jefferson dismisses Packers' Jaire Alexander: "Nobody is really worried about him"

Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson is dismissing comments from Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander: "It's just him talking at the end of the day. Nobody is really worried about him."

[Click here to read more]

By WCCO Staff
 

Coming up on Wednesday: Joint practice with Titans

Not much is happening Tuesday as players have the day off -- but more action is on the way Wednesday. 

The Vikings are set to host the Tennesse Titans for a joint practice ahead of their preseason matchup on Saturday. 

Head coach Kevin O'Connell has said in the past that these practices are crucial in preparing for the season. The team will also host joint practice with the Cardinals later in training camp. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Dalvin Cook alert: Former Vikings running back signs with Jets

The reports are true. Former Vikings superstar running back Dalvin Cook is joining former NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers on the New York Jets. 

[Click here to read more]

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings WR Jordan Addison graded well by PFF in preseason week 1

The stat sheet wasn't a stunner in rookie Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison's preseason debut, but a deeper look reveals some impressive play.

The 21-year-old's performance earned an 84.5 from Pro Football Focus, an analytics website that grades every play to compile composite scores for players. That was the second-highest grade among first-round rookies in preseason week one.

[Click here to read more]

By Cole Premo
 

Vikings' TE T.J. Hockenson says ear infection has been affecting his equilibrium

The starting tight end for the Minnesota Vikings has been limited in training camp due to an ear infection.

On Monday, T.J. Hockenson confirmed the nature of his illness, saying the infection has been messing with his equilibrium.

"Just taking it slow and trying to get back as quick as I can," he said.

[Read more by clicking here]

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings waive one rookie tackle, sign another

The Vikings waived one undrafted rookie tackle on Monday to make room for the signing of another.

The team released Jacky Chen, a 23-year-old out of Pace University. Chim Okorafor, 24, who was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles in May and released last week, was added to the team.

By WCCO Staff
 

Right tackle Brian O'Neill returned to practice

Arguably the most dominant aspect of the offensive line outside of left tackle Christian Darrisaw is back in the mix. 

On Sunday, Brian O'Neill participated in team drills -- the first time since he injured his Achilles in January. 

GettyImages-1353273840.jpg
Brian O'Neill Getty Images
By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings sign special teamer Tanner Vallejo

After linebacker William Kwenkeu was waived with an injury designation, the Vikings replaced him on the roster with Tanner Vallejo.

Vallejo is a veteran linebacker who's been in the league since 2017. He was most recently with the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent most of his time on special teams.

By WCCO Staff
 

First-rounder Jordan Addison turning heads at camp


Jordan Addison disturbed the Minnesota Vikings a few days before training camp with dangerous late-night behavior that tainted the start of his NFL career.

Once he finally got on the practice field, Addison has settled into the offense much more smoothly.

[Click here for the AP story]

 

Vikings owner Mark Wilf asked about Kirk Cousins' future

Vikings owner Mark Wilf was asked recently: Do you want to re-sign Cousins after this season? 

"We'll leave that to [general manager] Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah] and coach [Kevin O'Connell] to work through those discussions," he said, via Pro Football Talk. "There's always conversations on that. But our real focus is 100% on 2023 and getting where we need to be, and where I know we can be."

[Read more on CBS Sports]

By WCCO Staff
 

A view of Tuesday night practice

Fans were loving Tuesday night's practice!

By WCCO Staff
 

First unofficial depth chart released ahead of 2023 season

The Minnesota Vikings on Monday released the first glimpse at what the roster may look like for the 2023 season.

The team's first unofficial depth chart doesn't show many surprises, but some intriguing position battles are starting to take shape, including at cornerback, nose tackle and wide receiver.

[Click here to see more] 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings swap wide receivers on roster

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings place injured defensive lineman on IR, sign WR

The Vikings signed a wide receiver and have placed defensive lineman James Lynch on injured reserve. WR N'Keal Harry was signed after a try-out at TCO Performance Center. 

By Cole Premo
 

Promising UDFA is off PUP list

By WCCO Staff
 

Another great catch from rookie WR Jordan Addison

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings sign 2 tackles, release guard

The Vikings offensive line depth is a bit stronger Thursday following some roster moves. 

The team terminated guard Bobby Evans' contract, and signed two tackles: Christian DiLauro and Jarrid Williams. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings waive a backup tackle

The Vikings announced the team has waived tackle Sam Schlueter. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings training camp notes from Wednesday

Though the weather may have been the exact opposite of cold at training camp on Wednesday, the mood certainly was chill as the Vikings held a walkthrough practice at TCO Performance Center in Eagan.

[Click here for more training camp notes]

NFL: JUL 31 Minnesota Vikings Training Camp
Getty Images
By WCCO Staff
 

QB Cousins talks about setting the tempo during training camp

WCCO's Mike Max asked QB Kirk Cousins how he sets the tempo during training camp. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Depth wide receiver suffers injury during Wednesday practice

A wide receiver who spent the last two seasons on the Vikings' practice squad suffered an injury Wednesday. 

According to the team, he injured his right knee at the end of a deep pass play. He was tended to on the field before being helped to a medical cart. 

Cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. and running back Alexander Mattison also appeared to suffer injuries during practice, but Mattison's didn't seem particularly noteworthy, according to reports. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings give their backfield to Mattison, seeking efficiency on the ground and against the cap

Vikings Football
Alexander Mattison Craig Lassig / AP

The market devaluation of running backs across the NFL moved this summer from a trend to a bitter clash between the best players at this punishing position and the clubs unwilling to commit to them.

The Minnesota Vikings recently stepped out of the contract conflict zone by releasing Dalvin Cook, his four consecutive Pro Bowls cast aside for salary cap savings.

Alexander Mattison harbors none of the hard feelings that have become so prevalent across the league among his more accomplished peers.

[Click here for more]    

By The Associated Press
 

Vikings head coach addresses visit with offensive tackle

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed the visit with free agent offensive tackle Dalton Risner. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Injured cornerback?

It appears a second-year cornerback, Andrew Booth Jr., may have been injured in practice Tuesday. 

According to multiple reports from the field, he was seen walking off with a member of the team's athletic training staff. 

By WCCO Staff
 

New docuseries tackles Vikings' glorious, groanworthy saga

"The History of the Minnesota Vikings," a seven-part docuseries by Secret Base, will premiere on YouTube Aug. 1. Executive producer Jon Bois said there is "so much beauty in the Vikings story that I can't look away from it."

To see WCCO's full interview with Bois, click here.

By Anthony Bettin
 

QB Kirk Cousins makes No. 42 on Top 100 list

More of the NFL's Top 100 list has been revealed, and Minnesota's quarterback is among the best half of the list. Kirk Cousins was listed at No. 42. Check out more of the list here. 

Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's "Quarterback"
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 11: Kirk Cousins attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's "Quarterback" at TUDUM Theater on July 11, 2023 in Hollywood, California. Jc Olivera / Getty Images
By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings bringing in some offensive line help?

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly hosting former Broncos' guard Dalton Risner for a visit as training camp rolls on. He's one of the top linemen available right now in free agency. 

RISNER-STRETCH-22.jpg
CBS
By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings' Hunter is happy to be over the contract hump, for now, and get back to practice

Danielle Hunter was dissatisfied enough with his contract that he skipped Minnesota's offseason program and kept himself off the field for the beginning of training camp.

With a temporary new deal reached over the weekend, Hunter put the pads on Monday and participated in practice with the Vikings for the first time since the 2022 season ended. His contract will be in question again soon, but for now the team's best pass rusher can happily push the business part aside and work up a sweat with his teammates while trying to master a new scheme.

[Click here for more]  

By The Associated Press
 

Danielle Hunter is officially practicing!

Edge rusher Danielle Hunter agreed to a new contract over the weekend and he's staying in purple. He was first spotted participating at practice on Monday. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Young fan loves Justin Jefferson's sunglasses

This is the Justin Jefferson we know and love 💜 (🎥 @vikings)

Posted by Minnesota Vikings on CBS Sports on Sunday, July 30, 2023
By WCCO Staff
 

Fans chant "Dalvin Cook" at Jets training camp

An update from New York Jets training camp: The fans want former Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Joshua Metellus reacts to Danielle Hunter news

Vikings safety and special teamer is excited that a teammate just got a new contract. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings, Danielle Hunter agree to a 1-year deal

Danielle Hunter is staying in purple.

The Minnesota Vikings and the superstar edge rusher reportedly agreed to a new one-year deal worth up to $20 million for the upcoming season.

[Click here for more]

By WCCO Staff
 

How Vikings got through first brutally hot days of training camp

Vikings players adjust to sweltering heat 00:55

Dozens of coolers, water, and Gatorade bottles lined the sidelines of the Vikings' outdoor training fields at TCO Performance Center. Ice baths, cold towels, and huge metal fans awaited in tents should a player need to cool down.

Reporters, eager to get pictures, interviews, and footage, stood by the turf, sweating and waiting patiently in the Minnesota heat for the moment when practice ended. The team, practicing without heavy pads, seemed unbothered by the heat. Some of them, including coaches and trainers, were wearing long sleeves and black pants, quite bold for a heat wave.

[Click here to read more.]

By WCCO Staff
 

Dalvin Cook talks upcoming visit with Jets, sheds light on release from Vikings

Non-training camp update for those interested:

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has confirmed reports that he's visiting the New York Jets this weekend - and also shed some light on how things ended in Minnesota.

[Click here for more]

By WCCO Staff
 

Let's go! Veteran safety Harrison Smith snagged an interception during practice

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith had a good practice on Thursday.

The 12-year veteran snagged an interception on a pass from backup quarterback Nick Mullens.

Smith heads into the season with 34 career interceptions - he had five last season.

By WCCO Staff
 

Will WR Jalen Reagor make a bigger impact this year?

Former first-round pick Jalen Reagor is back this season, which may be a make-or-break season for the promising, but under-performing wide receiver.

Things looked great for him on Thursday, however. Video shows him making a good catch from quarterback Kirk Cousins.

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings safety says his offseason home prepared him for the heat

WCCO's Mike Max caught up with Vikings safety Cam Bynum on Thursday. 

Bynum says where he and his wife lived over the offseason – the Phillipines – helped him prepare for the heat. 

"That's real heat. About 95 degrees with 90% humidity," he said. 

snapshot-2023-07-28t083647-126.jpg
WCCO

Bynum said wearing pads and helmet will make it a bit tougher, but that's football. 

By Mike Max
 

The No. 2 wide receiver battle is gonna be competitive

Veteran wideout K.J. Osborn is expected to compete with first-round pick Jordan Addison for No. 2 WR spot behind superstar Justin Jefferson. Both had connections with QB Kirk Cousins in first day of practice Wednesday. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings offensive coordinator gives high praise to starting left tackle

By WCCO Staff
 

Rookie WR Jordan Addison seen making play in first day of practice

Minnesota's first-round pick Jordan Addison was filmed making a nice catch during camp Wednesday. 

Addison also addressed his recent speeding citation and apologized again. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Could fmr. Vikings RB Dalvin Cook team up with Aaron Rodgers?

While not exactly related to Vikings' training camp, this news is certainly something Vikings fans will ... react to. 

Former Minnesota Vikings superstar running back Dalvin Cook - now a free agent - is reportedly heading to the New York Jets for a visit.

The report means Minnesota's former star running back could potentially team up with former NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers, who was traded to New York over the offseason.

[Click here for more]

By WCCO Staff
 

Apologetic Vikings rookie Addison starts with plenty to prove after speeding citation

NFL: MAY 12 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Minicamp
Jordan Addison Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Jordan Addison already faced a steep challenge for his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, carrying the expectations of a first-round pick into a complex offense after an injury kept the wide receiver off the field for most of the spring practices.

Then he got pulled over for going 140 mph in his sports car last week, adding to his burden of proof that he was worth the draft capital and up to the task.

"I was disappointed, but it was a mistake, and I think he's obviously owning that mistake and knows that's something that can't happen again," head coach Kevin O'Connell said.

[Click here to read the full story]  

By The Associated Press
 

New DC Brian Flores says it'll be "competitive camp" for CBs

New defensive coordinator Brian Flores talked to the media Wednesday and addressed the revamped cornerback room.

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings will need to prove last year's success wasn't a fluke -- and build on it

As the Vikings begin the first day of practice at training camp Wednesday, this coming season has more questions than answers.

Say what you will about the Vikings, but they always find a way to make things interesting. And "interesting" would be an understatement of a word to describe last season.

[Click here to read the full story]

By WCCO Staff
 

Wednesday: First practice begins

A lot of activity is expected Wednesday with players having the first practice of training camp. That kicks off at 2:15 p.m.  

New defensive coordinator Brian Flores and other select players are also expected to speak to media before practice, around 12:45 p.m. 

Stay tuned for updates today and throughout training camp. 

By WCCO Staff
 

The Vikings are happy Danielle Hunter came to camp

Vikings Hunter Football
Danielle Hunter Abbie Parr / AP

Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter reported to training camp Tuesday after skipping the offseason program, but his status with the club remains uncertain with his contract still an issue. Read more here.  

By The Associated Press
 

Superstar Justin Jefferson seen entering camp in first day hype video

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings sign tackle, adding depth

The Vikings announced a signing on the first day of training camp, Bobby Evans, who was on the team's practice squad last season. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Harrison Smith responds to "Quarterback" show featuring Kirk Cousins

Veteran safety Harrison Smith was one of the players who spoke to media Tuesday -- and, yes, he did address the Netflix show starring his quarterback. 

Smith said he liked that the documentary showed Cousins as he is -- and added that Cousins is never fake. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Unproven and revamped: A look at Vikings' cornerback room

The Minnesota Vikings head into this year's training camp with a mostly unproven and completely revamped cornerback room.

This is not overstated. Every single one of the team's primary starters from last year is now on another team: Elite-level veteran Patrick Peterson (Steelers), Cameron Dantzler Jr. (Bills), Chandon Sullivan (Steelers) and Duke Shelley (Raiders).

Based on how things are heading, it's clear that the organization is putting a lot of trust in younger, less experienced players.

[Click here to read the full story]

By WCCO Staff
 

A look at the Vikings' safeties in training camp

As another Minnesota Vikings training camp arrives, decision-makers will watch key position battles on both sides of the ball. On defense, one of those is safety. 

Who will get the bulk of the work opposite Harrison Smith?

[Click here to read the full story.]

By Johnny Kahner
 

Adofo-Mensah: "We believe in Jordan [Addison] and his future"

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah declined to say whether rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison would be disciplined for his recent speeding incident. He did reiterate the team's belief in the young player, though.

"Jordan, through the draft process, impressed us with the type of person he is, and obviously he made a mistake," Adofo-Mensah said. "But what you see after the fact was from his representatives to his family who reached out to me, this kid was raised right, he knows that what he made was a mistake, and everybody in his life is aligned to make sure that this was a one-time occurrence. We want to make sure that we coach him up and know that this is something shouldn't happen and was serious, but we believe in Jordan and his future."

By Anthony Bettin
 

GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks contracts

Ahead of training camp on Tuesday, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was asked about the status of contract talks with several players.

Danielle Hunter

"There's a lot of things we're trying to work through with Danielle, obviously we haven't seen him since last season. That amongst many other issues that we're trying to work through with his representatives, those conversations are ongoing."

Kirk Cousins

"We had great conversations with Kirk and his representatives. Ultimately, when you sit across the table from somebody you try and understand their perspective and make sure they understands yours. That's how our conversations were. It was never a type of thing where it was combative or it was yes or no. It was right now, we can't come to a solution that fits both of our perspectives. But we always knew that we were gonna keep coming back to the table and conversing about where we see these things and ultimately try and find a decision that works for both parties, again, always in that vision of trying to be one of those last teams standing."

Justin Jefferson

"Ongoing dialogue. I believe we'll speak with the representatives again soon. We just got back to training camp, right, so there's no rush per se in that regards. Look, Justin is -- when we got here, there's certain types of players you want around. Players who love football, are great at football, make their teammates better, just have that winning spirit ... When you identify players like that you try and find solutions to keep them around. We will do that as best we can as we go forward."

T.J. Hockenson

"Great dialogue with his agent, we spoke recently as well … another person that fits what we want as a Viking here long-term and we're gonna try and find a solution for that as well."

By Anthony Bettin
 

Vikings head coach addresses Jordan Addison speeding citation

Rookie Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison told a state trooper he was going 140 mph on Interstate 94 at 3 a.m. because his dog was having an emergency at home, according to a citation.

On Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed the incident, saying he was disappointed but that Addison is owning up to the mistake.

By WCCO Staff
 

Danielle Hunter reports to camp, won't start out as full participant

In his first media availability for training camp, head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that edge rusher Danielle Hunter - who is in ongoing contract talks with the team - has reported to training camp.

However, the team doesn't expect him to be a full participant right away. 

Hunter was absent from the team's mandatory minicamp in June. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Who will be the Vikings' No. 2 WR?

With the offseason departure of longtime No. 2 receiver Adam Thielen, the Vikings have a void behind star Justin Jefferson.

With training camp underway this week, the battle for that second spot will be closely watched.

[Click here to read the full story.]

By Anthony Bettin
 

What's in store for Tuesday

Rookies, quarterbacks and some other select players have already arrived at camp over the weekend, but Tuesday will see the remaining players arrive for "Check-In Day."

The first media availability will also be held Tuesday, with head coach Kevin O'Connell, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and "select players" expected to speak in the late morning, according to the team. 

The first full-team practice will be held Wednesday. 

By WCCO Staff
 

Vikings sign a couple of players, put rookie linebacker on PUP list

The Minnesota Vikings announced several roster moves on Monday. 

The team signed guard Jack Synder and tight end Colin Thompson. 

Outside linebacker Andre Carter II, a promising player who was signed to the squad as an undrafted free agent this offseason, was also placed on the physically unable to perform list. 

See more moves below: 

By WCCO Staff
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.