Minnesota Vikings News and Links: Thorsday June 2, 2022

Vikings News

Vikings waive RB A.J. Rose Jr.

Vikings Injury Updates: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Za’Darius Smith, K.J. Osborn

The Vikings New Offense is a lot to learn

“It’s wild,” Adam Thielen said on The Pat McAfee Show. “It’s the most learning I’ve ever had to do. I’m swimming a little bit, but it’s fun. That’s part of the rejuvenation, right? I’m excited to come to work because I’m excited to learn a new offense, I’m excited to learn what we’re going to install today. This system makes sense. Everything we’re doing makes sense. Everything looks alike, acts alike, feels alike. The terminology makes sense. It’s a lot, though. There’s a ton. The formations alone, there’s so many different ways they can line us up and so many different words, lots of code words, things like that, where they say one thing and everybody’s gotta know what to do.”

Perhaps just as important as the actual Xs and Os on both sides of the ball — the Vikings have a new defense as well, with Ed Donatell replacing Mike Zimmer — is the different vibe around the team this year. Things were clearly getting stale with Rick Spielman and Zimmer at the helm, so the Vikings’ new regime has brought change and excitement to the practice field.

For someone like Thielen, who is entering his tenth NFL season, that’s a good thing.

“I feel fresh, I feel energetic, I think the culture that’s been created here is just a breath of fresh air,” he told FOX 9’s Hobie Artigue. “It just makes it exciting to be here and work.”

News from Around the League

NFL tweaks IR, practice squad rules for 2022

NFL announces that John Madden will grace cover of Madden NFL ‘23

Former Cowboys RB Marion Barber found dead at 38 in apartment

Sad news.

Agent’s Take: Why post-June 1 designations play significant role in helping teams manage their salary cap

Steelers DL Stephon Tuitt announces retirement after seven seasons

Media Selection of the Day

Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:

• No discussion of politics or religion
• No feeding of the trolls
• Leave the gender hatred at the door
• Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
• Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags
• No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
• If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
• While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm.