Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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3. Vikings back in the building
The Vikings returned to Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on Wednesday morning to get started on the work week for the Jaguars.
The NFL mandated that all team facilities be closed Monday and Tuesday for COVID-19 related purposes, forcing Zimmer and his coaching staff to game-plan for Jacksonville from their homes on Tuesday.
Zimmer addressed working from home right away in his opening statement.
"OK, back in the building today after a couple days of quarantining, I guess is the best way to say it," Zimmer said. "Getting ready for Jacksonville."
Zimmer noted that he and his staff were able to get the work done they needed, even if it was all virtual.
"Yeah, it was just different," Zimmer said. "It's not as much fun when you're not game-planning with other coaches [in person]."
4. Redbird pride!
A handful of people with ties to Illinois State will play a key role in Sunday's game.
One of them is Zimmer, who is a proud alum and graduated in 1979. Zimmer played quarterback for the Redbirds as a freshman in 1974, but redshirted the following season. He switched to linebacker in 1976 but soon had to retire due to an injury.
Zimmer made sure to give his school a shoutout in his opening statement when he brought up Jaguars running back James Robinson.
"They've got a really hard runner from Illinois State," said Zimmer, who later noted another Jaguars player who played for the Redbirds.
"And the tight end, too," Zimmer said. "[James] O'Shaughnessy's from Illinois State, as well."
Robinson, an undrafted rookie, has rushed for 890 yards and six scores in 2020. He has recorded four 100-yard rushing performances.
O'Shaughnessy has 18 catches for 173 yards this season.