The Vikings are focusing on the coverage skills of rookie Dallas Turner

The Vikings have officially opened the 21-day practice window for linebackers Ivan Pace Jr.who missed the last four games as a substitute due to a hamstring strain. The team also signed a cornerback Amber Thomasa 2021 third-round pick of the 49ers, to the practice squad. He started 11 games in three years for San Francisco, but spent that season on IR before being released on December 17th.

Veteran Safety Bobby McCain has started 88 games, including one playoff game, but before Sunday’s win at Seattle he had played just three defensive snaps all season. Flores relied on McCain and his security Theo Jacksonwho had the game-winning interception replaced the injured man Harrison Smith.

But the 31-year-old McCain’s impact went beyond defense. He also helped the Vikings’ offense convert an early fourth down to a tight end TJ Hockenson by identifying a flaw in the original game design during practice last week.

“We did it in training and Bobby did it,” coach Kevin O’Connell said, “And my immediate dialogue wasn’t, ‘Hey, let’s get the look right.’ It was, ‘Bobby, what did you think of this?’ What would help?’ So we made some adjustments that ultimately reflected in the game.”