Access Vikings morning walkthrough: Teddy thinks Rudolph is reliable, local Vikings hype gets mocked and more
On most mornings, we walk you through what’s going on with the Vikings.
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
— Kyle Rudolph is often in the right place at the right time. That’s why Teddy Bridgewater will often be looking the tight end’s way in big spots.
— Rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs made his mark Sunday night with a long punt return. Afterward, he was quick to credit his blockers.
— Diggs wasn’t the only rookie who met the hype. So did MyCole Pruitt. There’s that and four of other takeaways from the Hall of Fame Game.
— Reusse being Reusse: “Teddy Bridgewater was close to flawless as a rookie last year, and now he’s stronger, quicker, more accurate, a better leader, plus he has virtual reality and a new pair of gloves with magical powers. Don’t look back, Aaron Rodgers … someone is gaining on you.”
AROUND THE NFC NORTH
— New Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is still on the non-football injury list. But coach Jim Caldwell thinks he will be ready to go by Week 1.
— While Bears top draft pick Kevin White did some running yesterday, the rookie wide receiver is still a ways away from returning to practice.
— The Packers released rookie punter Cody Mandell, signaling an end to the short-lived camp competition with veteran Tim Masthay.
TODAY’S VIKINGS SCHEDULE
The Vikings have canceled today’s walkthrough. They will be back on the practice fields in Mankato for an afternoon practice, starting at 2:45 p.m.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
It was an extremely small sample size, but the Vikings’ starting offensive line allowed just one quarterback hurry and zero sacks in seven snaps in pass protection Sunday night, according to Pro Football Focus. Now, the Steelers’ pass rush shouldn’t be confused with the Blitzburgh bunch from a few years back. But it was a step in the right direction for the offensive line after the Vikings allowed 51 sacks last season, fifth-most in the NFL.