Vikings Training Camp underway with a very different feel

No fans, no preseason games and no frills surround NFL training camps these days. For the Minnesota Vikings, the changes are bringing a different approach to preparing for a regular season slated to begin September 13th against Green Bay at U.S. Bank Stadium.

"The biggest challenge is we don’t have the same routine as we’ve had in the past. We need to be able to get to a base to what we’re trying to accomplish and that is to get familiar with one another and to build those relationships as best we can," said Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.

***Click the video box on this page to see Kirk Cousins interview from Friday August 7th at Vikings training camp***

The most noticeable change on offense is at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs was traded to Buffalo and the Vikings added rookie Justin Jefferson in the draft and acquired Tajae Sharpe in free agency. Cousins is trying to get acquainted with both rather quickly.

"I’ve finally gotten a chance to see some of the abilities and skill-sets these two young players bring to the table. I just want to get as much work with them as I can so we can be on the same page as we continue to move forward with camp," Cousins said.

Cousins will be here for a while more. He signed a two-year extension this offseason that kicks in next season.

This year, in his third season with the Vikings, he’ll have Gary Kubiak calling plays. Last year’s offensive coordinator, Kevin Stefanski, left to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

"(Kubiak) still observes from about 30,000 feet. He wants some of the younger coaches like his son Klint to have more of an active role in the offense," Cousins said. "Since I’ve come here, (QBs coach) Klint Kubiak and I have had a very good relationship trying to find out the best way to get the offense to perform at its best."