The time has finally come.

All systems are a go for the Vikings with players arriving at TCO Performance Center in Eagan this week for training camp. The first practice will take place on Wednesday afternoon and will give a good indication of where things stand in the eyes of coach Kevin O’Connell.

Here are five storylines to follow as the Vikings begin training camp:

1. The memory of Khyree Jackson lives on

This is bigger than football. The tragic death of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson puts everything in perspective. Just how fleeting life can be. He was back in his Maryland hometown earlier this month waiting to live out his childhood dream. He will never get the chance after being killed in a car accident. Though he was taken far too soon, he made an impact on so many people with the Vikings, and his memory will live on moving forward.

2.  The repercussions of Jordan Addison’s arrest

Nearly a year after being pulled over in St. Paul for driving 140 mph, receiver Jordan Addison was recently arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence. Will there be consequences for his actions? That remains to be seen. It would be a good idea for the Vikings to dish out out a suspension because Addison has to start fearing repercussions at some point. This type of thing can’t happen again.

3. The rise of Sam Darnold and maturation of J.J. McCarthy

There isn’t currently a competition between veteran Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. Asked in the spring who he considered the starter heading into the summer, O’Connell pointed to Darnold over McCarthy without much hesitation. There’s no doubt that Darnold is much more advanced at this point in his career and he probably gives the Vikings the best chance to win. It will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure that comes with being the man in charge. As for McCarthy, this was always going to be a process, and all he needs to do is show steady improvement to prove he’s on the right track.

4. The new faces on the defensive side of the ball

After struggling with depth on defense last year, the Vikings made it a priority to provide defensive coordinator Brian Flores with an infusion of talent. They signed edge rusher Jonathan Greenard early in free agency followed by fellow edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel. They also added linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Shaq Griffin, among a handful of others, meaning there will be a good amount of jockeying for position throughout training camp.

5. The fight for the final roster spots

This won’t come into focus for a few weeks. That said, the Vikings will have some tough decisions on their hands once things get rolling. As much as some things are already set in stone, there are some spots up for grabs. This is the time for players to separate themselves from their peers.

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