Mike Zimmer hosted a football camp over the weekend for 700 kids and along the way he took a few minutes to talk about his adult team with NFL Network.
There were three things that stuck out during the brief interview, beginning with Zimmer saying he’s impressed with his team’s hard work this season.
“They go out there and they work. I’m impressed,” Zimmer said. “I got out there and I’m looking for something to get after them about, and I can’t find anything right now. It’s been a good offseason so far.”
Zimmer also gave a progress report on Dalvin Cook, who is rehabbing his way back from a torn ACL.
“He’s done really well, he’s ahead of schedule,” Zimmer said. “We’re excited about where he’s at. I think he’ll get into OTAs some, but it’ll be limited until training camp.”
That means Cook, a star rookie running back who suffered the injury in Week 4 against the Lions, should be good to go for the season opener against San Francisco.
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Lastly, Zimmer has had time to reflect on losing to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.
“Even though we didn’t play good in the championship game, I think it was good for us to see that atmosphere,” he said. “It is different, it’s not like a normal Sunday when you go out there, or a Monday night game. It’s a completely different atmosphere. For a fairly young team I think it was good for us to be there and hopefully we can get back there.”
The Vikings have OTAs (organized team activities) Tuesday through Thursday this week, then again May 29-31 and June 4-7. Mandatory minicamp is June 12-14, then they get a break before reporting to training camp in July.
Specific training camp dates have not been announced, but they will host joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
