Vikings Training Camp Notebook: Kyler Murray Continues to Impress

The Minnesota Vikings held a lighter, walkthrough-style practice Thursday, August 13, at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. While the pace was noticeably different from some of the more competitive practices earlier in camp, there were still plenty of developments worth watching as the Vikings prepare for the preseason.

After focusing heavily on the quarterback situation earlier in the week, Thursday offered an opportunity to watch the wide receiver competition, the secondary, and several other roster battles.

And once again, Kyler Murray stood out.

Kyler Murray Continues to Impress

Murray has now put together three consecutive practices of consistent quarterback play, and Thursday may have been his best.

Murray connected with Jauan Jennings multiple times, including a deep completion near the sideline and an impressive corner throw into the end zone.

The highlight of the day came when Murray delivered a deep post to Jordan Addison. Addison made a diving catch while beating his defender for another big play.

Murray also connected with Tai Felton for an impressive toe-tapping catch in the back of the end zone.

After some uneven moments earlier in camp, Murray’s recent consistency has been encouraging. Thursday’s practice provided another indication that he is becoming increasingly comfortable in the Vikings’ offense and with his new receiving corps.

Justin Jefferson Gets a Rest Day

Justin Jefferson was present at practice but did not participate in the team’s drills. He appeared to be getting a veteran rest day in a hat instead of a helmet today while remaining involved with the receiving group.

With Jefferson already established as one of the NFL’s elite receivers, there is little reason for the Vikings to push him unnecessarily during a walkthrough.

His absence did, however, create additional opportunities for Minnesota’s younger receivers.

Tai Felton Looks Like WR4

One of the biggest takeaways from both my Tuesday and Thursday practices is becoming increasingly clear: Tai Felton is making a strong case to be Minnesota’s No. 4 receiver.

Felton has flashed throughout training camp, and Thursday was another example. He worked with Murray and the first-team offense alongside Addison and Jennings and made an excellent toe-tapping catch in the end zone during red-zone work.

At this point, Felton looks increasingly secure in the WR4 conversation, and has taken a step towards developing into the player the Vikings feel he could be.

The more interesting question may be who earns the final one or two receiver spots.

Jeshaun Jones Makes His Case

Jeshaun Jones may have helped himself more than anyone else in the receiver competition Thursday.

Jones repeatedly made impressive catches during red-zone drills, including multiple toe-tapping grabs along the back of the end zone. Earlier in practice, Jones was also seen lining up opposite Jauan Jennings with Murray taking snaps.

The Vikings’ WR5/WR6 competition remains wide open, with Jones battling Myles Price, Dontae Fleming and Dillon Bell for opportunities. Thursday certainly did not hurt Jones’ chances of making the final roster. He runs solid routes and has reliable hands. If not for Jauan Jennings signing, I would say he would be a likely player on the 53. Now, he will have to fight harder for a spot.

Jauan Jennings Continues to Impress

Jennings continues to show why the Vikings added him to their receiving corps. His chemistry with Murray appears to be developing, and his ability to make contested catches gives Minnesota another physical and experienced weapon behind Jefferson and Addison. If Murray and Jennings continue building chemistry at this rate, the Vikings could have a very intriguing combination developing. Jennings had 16 touchdowns in the past two seasons for the 49ers, and will definitely be a weapon that opposing defenses would be wise not to overlook.

Rookie Defenders Getting First-Team Reps

The Vikings also continued experimenting with defensive combinations.

Two rookies, Dominique Orange and Caleb Banks, were notable participants with the first-team defense. During 11-on-11 work, Orange lined up on one end, Banks was in the middle, and Elijah Williams was on the other side. That combination could be worth watching when Minnesota faces the New York Giants in the preseason. Banks getting first-team opportunities this early in camp is particularly noteworthy as the rookie continues to work his way into the Vikings’ defensive plans.

Secondary and Linebacker Battles

The Vikings also continued working through their depth combinations at linebacker and in the secondary. Jamal Adams was seen working alongside Jake Golday and Ivan Pace Jr. with the second-team defense.

Meanwhile, Charles Demmings and James Pierre were among the players getting opportunities in what could be a competitive battle for the CB3 role.

With the preseason approaching, these practices are becoming increasingly important for players competing for roster spots.

Don’t Forget Special Teams

One of the more overlooked competitions at camp may be at punter. Veteran Johnny Hekker is competing against international-player exemption Brett Thomson. Thomson’s ability to serve as the holder for Will Reichard could become an important factor in that competition.

Speaking of Reichard, the Vikings kicker once again looked excellent Thursday, consistently sending kicks through the uprights. After an impressive 2025 season, Reichard has an opportunity to establish himself as one of the NFL’s top kickers. Another season at that level should put him firmly in the Pro Bowl conversation.

Rookies Demond Claiborne, Chuck Demmings and Jake Golday also received opportunities with the kick-coverage unit. Claiborne could additionally see work as a returner, likely with kick returns that could add depth to Myles Price.

For players fighting for a spot on the bottom of the roster, special-teams contributions can ultimately make the difference.

The Bigger Picture

Thursday’s practice wasn’t designed to provide the same intensity as some of Minnesota’s previous sessions, but several developments stood out.

First, Kyler Murray continues trending in the right direction. Three consecutive days of consistent quarterback play are certainly encouraging.

Second, Tai Felton is increasingly looking like WR4. His continued involvement with the first-team offense and ability to make plays in the red zone support that conclusion.

Third, Jeshaun Jones is making the WR5/6 competition interesting. His repeated big catches Thursday showed why the Vikings continue giving him opportunities.

Fourth, Blake Brandel and Kyler Murray had another fumbled snap. I am not overly worried yet, but people are taking notice, and just perhaps with Murray as the full-time starter working with the 1st Team will improve the chemistry and familiarity for both players.

Finally, the Vikings are beginning to give meaningful opportunities to several young defenders. Orange and Banks getting first-team reps is particularly worth monitoring as preseason action approaches.

The next major test will come when these players get into actual game action, where there will be far less room for interpretation. For now, however, Thursday provided another positive day for Murray and another opportunity for several young Vikings to make their case. After three consecutive practices of strong quarterback play, the Vikings may be entering the preseason with considerably more confidence in their quarterback situation than they had earlier in the week.

SKOL!

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