Justin Jefferson remains sidelined while dealing with a “very minor hamstring strain” but was incredibly interactive with teammates, again. Receiver Robert Lewis and safety Jay Ward also did not participate.
Next up is another padded practice open to the public Saturday before a closed session Sunday.
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
So nice, had to do it twice
Step aside, Dwight “Nudie” McGlothern. It’s Jackson’s time to shine.
Jackson put his teammate in the secondary on notice Friday, corralling not one but a pair of interceptions. That gives Jackson three in a span of two practices, after gathering one Wednesday, and officially places him on streak watch. McGlothern had his own string of afternoons with a pick come to an end. The 2024 undrafted free agent netted three over three consecutive practices, beginning Monday.
Jackson struck first in a team period by laying out for a middle-of-the-field pass from McCarthy that deflected off Jordan Addison’s mitts. Later on, the safety floated across the middle and expertly timed a throw from Sam Howell, cutting in front of Tim Jones to intercept it. Jackson likely would’ve gone for six.
O’Connell said Jackson is “stepping into a role that he’s quite honestly been ready for, for a while.”
“Any time he’s around the football in the deep part of the field, or getting a vision or a key to break on something underneath, he’s normally – if he’s around it – he’s gonna make the play,” O’Connell stated.