According to Ben Goessling, who covers the Minnesota Vikings for the Star Tribune, the Vikings are trying to finalize joint practices at their TCO Performance Center during training camp. That would point toward a preseason matchup between the two teams at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The #Vikings are trying to finalize joint practices with the 49ers at TCO Performance Center during training camp, sources said this morning. The Niners would be the third team in Minnesota for joint practices (Jaguars in 2018, Broncos in 2021)
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) May 5, 2022
Joint practices are common, and the 49ers enjoy facing other teams in practices, as it breaks things up for players who get to go against new opponents. Last year, the 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers held joint practices in Costa Mesa. Unfortunately, the team couldn't participate in joint practices in 2020 due to COVID-19.
New #Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah remains close with 49ers EVP of football ops Paraag Marathe, and coach Kevin O'Connell spent a year with the 49ers, as well. The practices would presumably come before the 49ers visit for the Vikings' lone preseason home game this year.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) May 5, 2022
The 49ers and Vikings will not face each other during the 2022 regular season.
Joint practices would also be a good opportunity for second-year quarterback Trey Lance to face a different defense. In addition, it will allow the coaching staff to evaluate the former No. 3 overall pick's progress. Most expect Lance to be the 49ers' starting quarterback in 2022.
