A GM’s work is never done. Such a reality is made evident in the recent Vikings tryout that involved bringing some talent to the Twin Cities.

Alec Lewis of The Athletic offered the news that Minnesota brought a half dozen players in for a workout. Check out the details: “The Vikings held some tryouts today for RBs and safeties: — RB Jermar Jefferson — S Glendon Miller — S Wande Owens — RB Dominic Richardson — S D.Q. Smith — RB Marcus Yarns.”

The Vikings Tryout Six Players

Lately, there has been some chatter about what’s taking place at safety.

Harrison Smith remains away from the team. Whether he officially retires remains to be seen but he hasn’t given any indication that he’s coming back. Part of what’s making things a touch more fascinating is that Jamal Adams has been moved back to his normal position. “He’ll play some safety,” Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Sunday.

So, some things to monitor at safety, a vital position in the Brian Flores defense.

The trio of defensive backs to be brought to town — Miller, Owens, and Smith — all boast nice size. Check out the basic details:

• Glendon Miller: 6’2″ and 206 Pounds
• Wande Owens: 5’11” and 210 Pounds
• DQ Smith: 6’1″ and 219 Pounds

At least traditionally, the builds are that of box safeties rather than those tasked with playing center field 40 yards down the field (but Flores can strain what’s normal or expected of different body types). Think closer to Josh Metellus than Cam Bynum.

Note, as well, that all of these lads are young and reasonably unheralded. None were drafted, instead getting tossed into the NFL after agreeing to UDFA deals either after the 2025 or 2026 NFL Drafts.

At running back, the Vikings boast some nice talent but nobody who could confidently be called elite. In particular, the Vikings will be leaning on Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason (said to be in excellent shape). There’s then rookie speedster Demond Claiborne alongside rookie thumper Max Bredeson (a sledgehammer). Both of these guys will make the roster.

Otherwise, note the presence of Zavier Scott, somebody with a great build and silky mitts. Good chance a team scoops him up for a 53-man roster if he doesn’t get onto Minnesota’s final team.

Consider some of the basics for the runners who worked out for the Vikings:

• Jermar Jefferson: 5’10” and 212 Pounds
• Dominiq Richardson: 5’11” and 204 Pounds
• Marcus Yarns: 5’10” and 198 Pounds

Whoever gets added, if any at all, will be tasked with depth duty. Showing an ability on specials will be key. So, too, would it be a boost to provide an ability to do the little things well on offense. Pass blocking, ball security, and even lining up in the correct spot every time. Those small details matter to a football coach.

The Vikings get back to work at practice later today.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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The Vikings’ training camp has seen a passer battle take place. Forced to guess, I’d say most onlookers arrive at some mixture of fascination and exhaustion.

What stands out beyond the passers?

A story that has received ample interest has nothing to do with what’s taking place on the field. Or, at least, what’s directly taking place on the field. Rather, the story has been the team’s restrictions placed on those in the stands being allowed to film practice. Plenty of people have been discussing the issue, including former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel. Why the kerfuffle?

The Vikings’ Training Camp & The Restrictions on Filming Practice

Ben Goessling of The Star Tribune jumped into the controversy, offering some clarity by explaining the background of Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. The skipper used to glean insight from online videos.

— READ MORE: Vikings Newcomer Flirts with Position Switch —
— READ MORE: Vikings Tryout a Half Dozen Players as the ’26 Camp Continues —

“This was part of Kevin O’Connell’s job as a young assistant with the 49ers, too,” Goessling writes. “The team officials who get irked by videos being posted from #Vikings camp in Eagan are often the ones who benefitted from it with other teams.”

Note that Goessling is sharing these insights in response to Dallas DC Christian Parker peeling back the curtain on the knowledge that can get gleaned from these online clips:

Ari Meirov writes, “#Cowboys DC Christian Parker says he doesn’t like fans and other people posting videos from training camp practices. Why? When Parker was with other teams, he would find Cowboys practice clips online and flag anything they could use.”

Success in the NFL is very difficult. Teams scrape and claw for any tiny advantage to help set themselves apart from the crowd. Maybe that sort of insight can arrive via the online world, especially in the early moments of the season, as Coach Parker suggests.

Coach O’Connell has noted that Minnesota will be adjusting the scheme somewhat to better house the quarterback talent. Many think that Kyler Murray is going to be the top option but J.J. McCarthy is keeping things reasonably close. Whoever is under center will get an edge from the element of surprise.

Furthermore, the Vikings have been open about the impact that Asst. HC Frank Smith and OL coach Keith Carter have had on the run game. Do any of the clips online tip Minnesota’s hand for what will look different? If so, then the Vikings don’t want those things to go live for the world to see.

That Week 1 Packers game involves a pair of teams that know each other well squaring. Maintaining some element of surprise is therefore of value to Minnesota’s coaching staff.

Practice takes place later today at TCO Performance Center.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane is all set for his commentary debut in the upcoming two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka, starting on August 15. He will be part of the Sony Sports Network’s commentary team.

The 38-year-old former batter recently ended an 18-year illustrious playing career. Across 85 Test matches for India, Rahane accumulated 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, featuring 12 hundreds and 26 half-centuries. He notably captained India to a historic Test series triumph in Australia during the 2020-21 season.

Rahane expressed enthusiasm about transitioning into the broadcast booth to offer a technical breakdown and a strategic perspective.

“I’m excited to make my Test commentary debut for India’s tour of Sri Lanka on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV,” Rahane said in a statement. “Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport, and having represented India in the format for so many years, it is a privilege to now look at the game from a different perspective.

“I’m looking forward to sharing experiences, breaking down the nuances of the game and offering fans insights into the decisions, strategies and moments that can shape a Test match. I hope to make the broadcast experience more enriching for fans and give them a deeper understanding of what happens on the field,” the statement added.

Rahane’s presence will be a great addition to the commentary team, as he brings a wealth of experience from playing across the globe.

“Stood out for his composure, resilience, and astute reading of the game” – Sony Sports CRO on Ajinkya Rahane

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head, Sports and International, Sony Pictures Networks India, commended Rahane’s sharp game reading skills.

“Ajinkya Rahane has always stood out for his composure, resilience and astute reading of the game,” he said. “As he makes his Test commentary debut on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV, viewers will get to hear his perspective on the format he knows so well.”

“We are delighted to have him as part of our commentary panel for India’s tour of Sri Lanka and look forward to the experience and insight he will bring to our coverage,” Kaul added.

The two-match Test series runs from August 15 to August 27, with the opening match slated for Galle.