5 Takeaways from the Second Titans/Vikings Joint Practice

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey (12) evades Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (25) during practice in Eagan, Minn., Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.

The Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans took the field in Eagan for another joint practice on Thursday afternoon.

With the second Titans/Vikings joint practice officially in the books, here are 5 takeaways from Thursday’s session.

Andrew Booth Had a Big Day

Second Titans/Vikings Joint Practice
Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) is defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Booth had a very strong day at camp, winning multiple reps in 1-on-1 drills and capping off Tennessee’s final two-minute drill with an interception in the end zone. Take a look:

The Vikings cornerback room remains wide open, especially after Akayleb Evans left practice with an injury. Luckily, it appeared to be minor, but this gave Booth a chance to showcase his skills.

The Interior O-Line Struggled

The Vikings Must Improve This Position in 2023
Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) snaps the football along side of guard Ezra Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

As expected, the Minnesota Vikings had some struggles on their interior offensive line on Thursday. Jeffrey Simmons dominated his matchups on a regular basis, and Tennessee’s defensive front earned multiple sacks throughout the afternoon.

With Kirk Cousins entering his age-35 season, the Vikings need to be much better in pass protection than they were last season. This hasn’t happened so far, but hopefully, the group gets things figured out.

Overall, a Better Day for the Offense

Aug 5, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell takes to wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) during training camp at Twin Cities Orthopedic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

While neither offense was able to get much going on Wednesday, the Vikings offense overall was much smoother on Thursday despite some lackluster protection. Jordan Addison remains out with his concussion, but Minnesota still scored on each of their two-minute drills. There were also a few incredible reps from Brandon Powell in the receiving game.

T.J. Hockenson Warmed Up, but Didn’t Participate in Drills

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) walks on the field after losing a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

T.J. Hockenson hasn’t been practicing for the Vikings in about a week, and early this week, the tight end revealed that he has been dealing with an ear infection. On Thursday, Hockenson warmed up with the team, but he did not participate in any of the actual practice. The tight end was a huge part of the Vikings offense down the stretch of the 2022 season, so hopefully he heals up soon.

Still No Asamoah, Nailor, Nwangwu

NFL: Minnesota Vikings Training Camp
Aug 3, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II (33) during training camp at TCO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings injuries remain the same with all three of Brian Asamoah, Jalen Nailor, and Kene Nwangwu missing practice on Thursday. None of the injuries are disclosed at this point, so hopefully, none of them are too serious. With Nwangwu remaining sidelined, the Vikings signed another RB, Aaron Dykes, on Thursday.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.