Here are four other takeaways from the head coach's media session:
1. Injury updates on Darrisaw, Jefferson & Smith
O'Connell provided updates on Christian Darrisaw, Justin Jefferson and Harrison Smith, all of whom have missed practice time.
Jefferson was held out of the bulk of training camp out of utmost precaution around a minor hamstring injury, but O'Connell said he's "had some great work" since returning to practice.
"I think he really capitalized on that time. He wasn't just in recovery mode and getting back to a certain baseline," O'Connell said. "He elevated that baseline by getting stronger, by really focusing in on some things that would allow him to have a fast transition back. And that's what he's done.
"I don't want to speak for him, but conversations that he and I have had have been very positive about how he feels," O'Connell added. "At this point, he just feels great about being back out there with his teammates full, and running and moving and catching the way he's been, it's been really encouraging."
Smith participated in Wednesday's walk-through session but would not practice, O'Connell said.
"The hope is we can ramp him up," O'Connell explained. "He's back in the building and meetings and building up his workload for the week, so we'll see where he's at throughout the remainder of the week."
O'Connell feels positive about Darrisaw, who suffered a season-ending knee injury Week 8 last season, and said he'll be evaluated during the week.
Minnesota's left tackle ramped up through the offseason program and participated during training camp, where he often rotated with left tackle Justin Skule to gauge how his knee responded to the activity.
O'Connell said Darrisaw has "checked every box from a workload standpoint" and noted he would practice Wednesday.
"Always with C.D., with how committed he's been to taking the daily approach, we've done the same with him," O'Connell emphasized. "So we're going to progress forward and be smart, but we're going to give him every opportunity to practice and see how he feels and then, ultimately, in regards to his availability, we'll make that decision as the week progresses."