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Ravens activate Rashod Bateman, Tyre Phillips from IR, elevate Le’Veon Bell
Sun Oct 17 2021 00:58:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman will make his NFL debut Sunday. The team elevated the first-round draft choice from injured reserve. Bateman, the No. 27 overall choice in the NFL draft, returned to practice Sept. 29 after recovering from groin surgery. They need him against the Vikings with Sammy Watkins (hamstring) ruled out. The Ravens also [more]
Vikings activate Cameron Dantzler off COVID-19 list
Thu Oct 14 2021 16:51:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings will have one of their secondary depth pieces back this week. Cornerback Cameron Dantzler has been activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced on Thursday. Dantzler went on the list last Monday, missing Minnesota’s victory over Detroit last Sunday. In his second season out of Mississippi State, Dantzler has appeared in three [more]
Matt Rhule “hopeful” Christian McCaffrey will play in Week Six
Mon Oct 11 2021 16:53:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Running back Christian McCaffrey said there was a chance he could return in Week Five from his injured hamstring, but that turned out not to be the case. It appears he has a better shot at playing against the Vikings in Week Six. Head coach Matt Rhule told reporters in his Monday press conference that [more]
Vikings place Harrison Hand on COVID-19 list
Tue Oct 05 2021 21:43:08 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings cornerback Harrison Hand had a brief stay on the COVID-19 list toward the end of last month. He’s now on it again. Minnesota announced on Tuesday that the team has placed Hand on COVID reserve, making him the second cornerback to go on the list this week. Cameron Dantzler was placed on the list [more]
Vikings place Cameron Dantzler on COVID-19 list
Mon Oct 04 2021 21:06:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings could be without one of their cornerbacks for at least their Week Five matchup with the Lions. According to the transaction wire, Minnesota placed Cameron Dantzler on the reserve/COVID-19 list due to a positive test. A third-round pick in 2020, Dantzler has appeared in three games for the Vikings this year. He was [more]
Myles Garrett hopes the Browns defense is starting a trend
Mon Oct 04 2021 14:46:10 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield wasn’t happy with his performance in Sunday’s 14-7 win over the Vikings, but there was a lot to like about the way the defense performed. They held the Vikings to 255 yards, stopped two attempts to convert fourth downs, and picked Kirk Cousins off on the way to their third straight [more]
Baker Mayfield says he needs to pick it up after “piss-poor performance”
Sun Oct 03 2021 23:47:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Browns won on Sunday with their defense dominating on the road in a 14-7 victory over the Vikings. But if you just heard quarterback Baker Mayfield‘s comments, you might not think that’s the case. Mayfield did not play well on Sunday, misfiring on several throws to finish 15-of-33 for 155 yards with no touchdowns [more]
Browns lead Vikings 11-7 at halftime
Sun Oct 03 2021 18:38:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings carried a 7-0 lead for nearly all of the first half. But the Browns scored 11 points in the last 90 seconds of the second quarter to go up 11-7 at the break. After the Vikings opened the game with a 14-play touchdown drive, the Browns had a 15-play drive but got nothing [more]
Jedrick Wills, J.C. Tretter questionable for Week Four
Fri Oct 01 2021 18:16:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Browns have listed two of their starting offensive linemen as questionable for Sunday, but there’s still a good chance both players will be on the field for the matchup against the Vikings. Left tackle Jedrick Wills (ankle) and center J.C. Tretter (knee) are both questionable. Both players didn’t participate on Wednesday or Thursday but [more]
Greg Newsome out for Browns this week
Thu Sep 30 2021 11:16:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Browns first-round pick Greg Newsome started the first three games of his NFL career, but the cornerback won’t be running that streak to four games. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday that Newsome will miss this weekend’s game against the Vikings due to a calf injury. Stefanski said that Newsome is considered week-to-week and [more]
Dalvin Cook limited in Wednesday’s practice
Wed Sep 29 2021 20:58:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Running back Dalvin Cook was listed as a non-participant in practice for the Vikings all of last week, but this week got off on a better foot. Cook was a limited participant as he tries to work his way back from the ankle injury that kept him from playing in last Sunday’s win over the [more]
Vikings designate Kene Nwangwu, Dan Chisena to return from IR
Wed Sep 29 2021 15:33:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings could get some help for their offensive depth as soon as this week. Minnesota announced on Wednesday that the team has designated running back Kene Nwangwu and receiver Dan Chisena to return from injured reserve. Both players now have a 21-day window to practice where they do not count against the 53-man roster. [more]
Mike Zimmer: Sunday was best offensive performance since I became Vikings head coach
Mon Sep 27 2021 11:20:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings went into Sunday’s game against the Seahawks without running back Dalvin Cook, but his absence didn’t stop them from thriving offensively. Kirk Cousins threw for 323 yards, Alexander Mattison ran for 112, and the Vikings scored points on six of their eight possessions during a 30-17 win over the Seahawks. After the game, [more]
Vikings roll over Seahawks 30-17 for first win
Sun Sep 26 2021 23:30:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
After losing their season opener on a field goal in overtime and their second game on a missed last-second field goal, the Vikings made sure the final play didn’t come down to a field goal. Minnesota dominated the Seahawks 30-17 on Sunday. It was the Vikings’ first victory over the Seahawks since Nov. 22, 2009, [more]
John Randle, Kevin Williams want a Purple People Eaters statue in Minnesota
Sun Sep 26 2021 12:14:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
John Randle and Kevin Williams were part of a great Vikings defensive line, but it’s a defensive line that came before them they’d like to see get a special honor outside the Vikings’ stadium. Randle and Williams told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press that they think a statue of the Purple People Eaters, the [more]
Vikings place Harrison Hand on COVID-19 reserve list
Wed Sep 22 2021 18:26:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings will be without cornerback Harrison Hand for a while. The team announced that Hand has been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list. The reason why he was placed on the list is unknown, but will determine how long he’ll be out. If Hand tested positive and is vaccinated, he’ll be able to return [more]
Mike Zimmer: Lots of kickers miss field goals, give Greg Joseph a break
Tue Sep 21 2021 12:23:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said after Greg Joseph missed a 37-yard game-deciding field goal on Sunday that it should have been “an easy one.” But a day later, Zimmer indicated that Joseph is not on the hot seat. Zimmer said that Joseph is still a good kicker, and that one game is not enough to [more]
Vikings still have questions at cornerback
Sun Sep 19 2021 15:55:25 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Last year, the Vikings had an excuse for poor cornerback play. They foolishly decided to rely on too many rookies. This year, they’ll need a new excuse if the cornerback play doesn’t hold up. Veterans Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland won the starting jobs this year. And it wasn’t a good start, at least not [more]
Jaguars call up Laquon Treadwell for Sunday
Sat Sep 18 2021 20:45:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Last year, the Jaguars gave 2015 second-round receiver Devin Smith a chance to play on Sunday, bumping him from the practice squad. This week, receiver Laquon Treadwell gets the opportunity instead. The Jaguars have announced that the 2016 first-rounder has been elevated from the practice squad for the visit from the Broncos. Maybe it’s a [more]
Former Vikings offensive lineman Steve Riley dies at 68
Fri Sep 17 2021 23:37:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Former Vikings offensive tackle Steve Riley died Thursday, the team announced. He was 68. Riley died the day after the funeral service for Mick Tingelhoff, his teammate for five seasons. Tingelhoff died Sept. 11. Riley, the 25th overall choice in 1974, played all 11 seasons of his NFL career with the Vikings. Riley appeared in [more]
Adam Thielen named this week’s NFLPA Community MVP
Fri Sep 17 2021 15:23:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The NFLPA has named Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen as their Community MVP for this week. Thielen is being honored because he and his wife donated more than $100,000 to restore the stadium lights at Brooklyn Center High School in Minnesota. The school’s lights stopped functioning in 2018 and they were turned back on for [more]
Dalvin Cook “moving on and getting that bad taste out” after fumble
Thu Sep 16 2021 11:46:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings’ chances of getting a win in overtime against the Bengals last weekend went up in smoke when running back Dalvin Cook lost a fumble with just under two minutes to play in the game. A lengthy review of whether Cook was down before he lost the ball resulted in the call being upheld [more]
Joe Burrow changed play on key fourth down, threw it to his third read
Sun Sep 12 2021 22:00:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
As the Bengals and Vikings gathered around the ball for a key fourth and short in overtime at the Cincinnati 48, quarterback Joe Burrow saw an opportunity. And he acted on it. He went to his helmet; he appeared to be changing of the play. Speaking to him by phone after the game, I told [more]
Bengals pull out wild overtime win over Vikings
Sun Sep 12 2021 20:46:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Bengals need Joe Burrow to take a big step forward in Year Two. So far, so good. Burrow had a solid game today against the Vikings, leading Cincinnati to a 27-24 overtime win against Minnesota. Showing no ill-effects from last year’s season-ending knee injury, Burrow completed 20 of 27 passes for 261 yards, with [more]
Ja’Marr Chase scores first NFL touchdown
Sun Sep 12 2021 18:28:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is adjusting to the different footballs in the NFL. Chase caught his first NFL touchdown pass in the second quarter today against the Vikings, reeling in a deep ball from Joe Burrow for 50 yards. Chase, who struggled with drops in the preseason and said the adjustment to the NFL [more]
Mike Zimmer scoffs at hot-seat talk
Sun Sep 12 2021 14:04:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has said on multiple occasions that he expects the team to be pretty good this year. And he may be right. What happens if he’s not? A second straight year of no playoffs could trigger a change in Minnesota. Zimmer isn’t flinching at the chatter; he’s pushing back against it. “I [more]
Hall of Fame Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff dies at 81
Sat Sep 11 2021 20:44:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Mick Tingelhoff, a Vikings center who was one of the best linemen of his generation and an iron man who never missed a game in his 17-year career, has died at the age of 81. Tingelhoff went undrafted out of Nebraska in 1962 but signed on with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent and [more]
Vikings elevate Sean Mannion, Ameer Abdullah to active roster
Sat Sep 11 2021 18:52:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings have officially added a backup quarterback and backup running back to the roster for Sunday’s opener against the Bengals. Vikings quarterback Sean Mannion and running back Ameer Abdullah have officially been moved from the practice squad to the active roster. Mannion is expected to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Kirk Cousins, while [more]
Mike Zimmer: Joe Burrow reminds me of Carson Palmer, will probably be better
Sat Sep 11 2021 10:14:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was defensive coordinator of the Bengals for six seasons before getting the top job in Minnesota, and his time in Cincinnati overlapped with Carson Palmer, who was a Pro Bowl quarterback with the Bengals. But Zimmer thinks the Bengals have an even more talented quarterback now. Zimmer, whose Vikings play [more]
Anthony Barr, Christian Darrisaw out for Sunday
Fri Sep 10 2021 17:48:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Neither linebacker Anthony Barr nor offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw will be suiting up for the Vikings’ season opener on Sunday. The team announced on Friday that both Barr (knee) and Darrisaw (groin) will be out for Week One with their respective injuries. Barr was able to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday but didn’t [more]
Ja’Marr Chase takes issue with characterization of his comparison between college and NFL ball
Fri Sep 10 2021 15:27:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
On Thursday, we highlighted the most significant comment made by Bengals rookie receiver Ja'Marr Chase during a recent press conference regarding his issues with drops. At one point, Chase said the NFL ball is different “because it is bigger,” and that the lack of stripes makes the NFL version “hard to see because the whole [more]
Anthony Barr out of practice after limited work Wednesday
Thu Sep 09 2021 20:59:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Linebacker Anthony Barr‘s chances of being in the Vikings lineup for their Week One game against the Bengals are looking cloudy at best on Thursday. Barr dealt with a knee injury for most of the summer, but he was able to practice in limited fashion on Wednesday. He was not able to follow that up [more]
Stephen Weatherly took pay cut to stick with Vikings
Thu Sep 09 2021 13:59:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Defensive end Stephen Weatherly returned to the Vikings as a free agent this offseason, but his second tour with the team could have come to an early end. Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reports that the Vikings told Weatherly he would need to take a pay cut in order to remain with the team [more]
Stefon Diggs admits he “became a bad teammate” when he wanted to leave Minnesota
Thu Sep 09 2021 09:12:05 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs is heading into his second year in Buffalo after five years in Minnesota, and in talking about his journey this week, he admitted that things turned bad at the end of his tenure with the Vikings. Diggs acknowledged that it was fair to call him a bad teammate late in [more]
Inside the Brian O’Neill deal
Thu Sep 09 2021 03:19:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Not long after Vikings coach Mike Zimmer publicly bemoaned the extent to which financial concerns impact the depth of the roster, the Vikings announced a transaction that definitely won’t make it easier to have money around for a second-tier of players who can step if if/when starters get injured. The Vikings signed tackle Brian O’Neill [more]
Joe Burrow: I put in a lot of work this offseason that I’m excited to show off
Wed Sep 08 2021 19:36:05 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was having a solid rookie year when he suffered a torn ACL against Washington last November. But the No. 1 overall pick of last year’s draft doesn’t just want to get back to where he was at that time as he prepares to face the Vikings in Week One. Addressing the [more]
Vikings extend right tackle Brian O’Neill
Wed Sep 08 2021 17:10:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill has secured his future in Minnesota. O’Neill, who was heading into the final season of his rookie contract, has signed a new deal, the team announced. There’s no immediate word on the terms of the contract. The Vikings’ second-round draft pick in 2018, O’Neill started all 16 games last year. [more]
Mike Zimmer: Vikings are “top-heavy with finances,” depth is a concern
Wed Sep 08 2021 16:37:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
At a time of year when some NFL head coaches are outwardly optimistic about the upcoming season, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer admitted some concern today. Zimmer acknowledged that the Vikings have a lot of salary cap space tied up at the top of the roster, and said that makes it hard for the team to [more]
Bengals sign Jake Browning to practice squad
Tue Sep 07 2021 19:29:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Bengals signed quarterback Jake Browning to their practice squad Tuesday, the team announced. He joins Joe Burrow and Brandon Allen in the quarterbacks room, adding insurance at the position. Browning, a first-year player out of the University of Washington, originally was a college free agent signee of the Vikings in 2019. He spent the [more]
Ja’Marr Chase blames drops on lack of concentration
Tue Sep 07 2021 00:31:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Bengals used the fifth overall choice on LSU receiver Ja'Marr Chase. They have to hope his rookie regular season goes better than his rookie preseason. Chase has struggled with dropped balls. He addressed his problem holding onto the ball Monday, saying it stems from a lack of concentration, and admitted he didn’t get as [more]
Trae Waynes out for Bengals this week
Mon Sep 06 2021 19:11:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Bengals have waited for a chance to see cornerback Trae Waynes in game action for quite a while and that wait will go on until at least Week Two of this season. Waynes injured his hamstring in late August and head coach Zac Taylor told reporters on Monday that he will not be in [more]
Christian Darrisaw set to practice Wednesday
Mon Sep 06 2021 16:59:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings first-round pick Christian Darrisaw has been off the field in recent weeks because of a core muscle injury, but the offensive tackle will start working his way toward his regular season debut this week. Head coach Mike Zimmer said at a Monday press conference that Darrisaw is set to do individual work at Wednesday’s [more]
Patrick Peterson not happy about new rule stopping cornerbacks from going low vs. blockers
Mon Sep 06 2021 10:06:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The NFL significantly enhanced the rule against blocks below the waist this offseason, and Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson thinks it’s going to make life miserable for cornerbacks on running plays. The new rule means that if an offensive lineman is attempting to block a defensive back, the defensive back can’t initiate contact below the waist. [more]
Vikings sign punter Jordan Berry
Thu Sep 02 2021 19:19:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings have found their new punter. Who is the Steelers’ old punter. Jordan Berry is set to sign with the Vikings, according to multiple reports. Berry had been with the Steelers since 2015, but they cut him this week after he lost a training camp competition with seventh-round rookie Pressley Harvin. Berry averaged 45.8 [more]
Vikings re-sign Everson Griffen
Wed Sep 01 2021 21:59:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings made it official, re-signing defensive end Everson Griffen, Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports. They opened roster spots by placing tight end Irv Smith, receiver Dan Chisena and running back Kene Nwangwu on injured reserve. Tight end Chris Herndon and long snapper Andrew DePaola are taking the other two spots. As a vested [more]
Vikings claim Ben Ellefson, waive Jalyn Holmes
Wed Sep 01 2021 18:43:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings are set to be without Irv Smith Jr. for the entire season and they’ve doubled down on additions at the position over the last two days. Former Jet Chris Herndon is on his way to Minnesota after a Tuesday trade and the team claimed Ben Ellefson off of waivers on Wednesday. Defensive end [more]
Vikings are expected to bring back Everson Griffen
Wed Sep 01 2021 16:07:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings released defensive end Everson Griffen on Tuesday, but he won’t be gone for long. Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the Vikings will bring Griffen back after opening up a couple of positions on the 53-man roster. Via Tomasson, the Vikings will place tight end Irv Smith and running back [more]
Irv Smith Jr. had knee surgery, is expected to miss 4-5 months
Wed Sep 01 2021 15:38:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
When word broke that Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. needed to have surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee and would miss the start of the regular season. It looks like Smith will be missing a lot more than that. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Smith had the surgery on Wednesday [more]
Josh McCown: Kirk Cousins not getting vaccinated takes away from his ability to lead
Wed Sep 01 2021 09:16:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Josh McCown has spent most of the last two decades as an NFL quarterback, so he knows something about what the job entails. And McCown thinks that this year, doing the job right includes getting vaccinated. McCown said that Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has refused to get vaccinated and had to miss five days [more]
Vikings cut Everson Griffen, Ameer Abdullah
Tue Aug 31 2021 22:00:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings signed pass rusher Everson Griffen last week. He did not make their initial 53-player roster. The Vikings released Griffen on Tuesday. Griffen spent 10 years with the Vikings before signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys as a free agent last offseason. The Cowboys traded him to the Lions during the 2020 season. [more]
Jets trade Chris Herndon to Vikings
Tue Aug 31 2021 19:31:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Injuries hit the Vikings’ tight ends hard this preseason, and they’ve made a trade to address the situation. The Vikings have traded draft picks to the Jets for Chris Herndon, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Vikings starting tight end Irv Smith is expected to miss the start of the season with a knee [more]
Vikings waive Jake Browning
Tue Aug 31 2021 19:08:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings appear to have settled their backup quarterback position. According to multiple reports, the team is waiving Jake Browning as they cut their roster down ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. With 2020 seventh-rounder Nate Stanley also expected to be cut on Tuesday, that leaves Kellen Mond as Kirk Cousins‘ backup in Minnesota. [more]
Inside the Harrison Smith extension
Tue Aug 31 2021 03:49:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings safety Harrison Smith has been one of the key pieces of the Minnesota defense for nearly a decade. He recently signed a four-year extension, putting him under contract with the team for five more years. Here’s a look at the details of the deal, per a source with knowledge of its terms. 1. Signing [more]
Vikings optimistic Anthony Barr can play Week One
Mon Aug 30 2021 20:48:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Last year, Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr played only two games because of a torn pectoral. This year, Barr has missed the entire preseason with a knee injury. But Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is optimistic that Barr can play in Week One. Barr hasn’t practiced since August 6, but Zimmer said today that he’s trending [more]
Ja’Marr Chase drops a bubble screen from Joe Burrow
Sun Aug 29 2021 20:22:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow took three snaps on Sunday, his preseason debut after suffering a serious knee injury last season. On his second snap, he threw a bubble screen to rookie receiver Ja'Marr Chase. And Chase dropped it. It was just the last example of Chase failing to secure a ball he should have caught. [more]
Harrison Smith, Vikings agree to four-year extension
Sun Aug 29 2021 18:39:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Harrison Smith said all offseason his goal was to remain in Minnesota. But heading into the final year of the five-year extension he signed with the team in 2016, Smith acknowledged the business side of the NFL. Smith got his wish, and the Vikings will retain their Pro Bowl safety long term. The Vikings and [more]
Vikings’ Irv Smith Jr. likely to miss start of season after meniscus surgery
Sun Aug 29 2021 18:33:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings are preparing to start the season without tight end Irv Smith Jr. Smith is expected to have surgery for a meniscus injury and miss the start of the regular season, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 23-year-old Smith is heading into his third season with the Vikings and was expecting to [more]
Vikings make three cuts on road to 53-man limit
Sat Aug 28 2021 21:06:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings got the ball rolling on setting their 53-man roster on Saturday. The team announced that they have waived running back Ito Smith, defensive tackle Zeandae Johnson and center Cohl Cabral. The moves leave them with 76 players on the active roster, so there will be many more moves to come in Minnesota. Smith [more]
Mike Zimmer: “I feel like we’re going to be pretty good, but we still have to go out and prove it”
Sat Aug 28 2021 13:29:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is optimistic. Despite generating an 0-3 record in the preseason with an offense that most of the time seemed downright offensive, Zimmer has high hopes for his team. “I feel like we’re going to be pretty good, but we still have to go out and prove it,” Zimmer told reporters. He [more]
NFL, NFLPA should disclose the full list of unvaccinated players
Fri Aug 27 2021 20:39:36 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Inside information is very real for pro football, and it easily can be abused. This year, another important type of inside information could affect the wagers made and not made on a given team. The 2021 COVID protocols put unvaccinated players at risk of a game-day scratch if they test positive or if they are [more]
Michael Pierce will give Everson Griffen No. 97, with an important caveat
Fri Aug 27 2021 20:18:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
When defensive end Everson Griffen returned to the Vikings, defensive tackle Michael Pierce made a magnanimous gesture. He’ll give Griffen No. 97. That’s the number Griffen wore throughout his time in Minnesota. The offer comes with an important caveat. Griffen must pay whatever the league will charge Pierce for the unsold inventory of jerseys with [more]
Vikings have a simple objective in preseason finale: “Get points
Wed Aug 25 2021 23:09:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings have significantly improved their defense for 2021. Which is a good thing, since their offense based on a pair of preseason games stinks. They travel to Kansas City for the exhibition finale with a simple goal. “I think it’s points,” quarterback Kirk Cousins said Wednesday, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer [more]
Vikings waive Evin Ksiezarczyk, reach injury settlement with Riley Patterson
Wed Aug 25 2021 21:19:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings waived/injured kicker Riley Patterson last week. They reached an injury settlement with him Wednesday, the team announced. It allows Patterson to sign with another team. The undrafted rookie out of Memphis lost the kicking job in Minnesota to Greg Joseph. The Vikings also announced Wednesday they waived offensive tackle Evin Ksiezarczyk. Ksiezarczyk signed [more]
Joe Burrow: Important to get a “game-like” feel before regular season
Wed Aug 25 2021 20:10:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Indications that the Bengals would hold off on putting quarterback Joe Burrow into game action were proven false on Wednesday when head coach Zac Taylor announced that Burrow will start against the Dolphins on Sunday. It will be Burrow’s first game action since tearing his ACL last season and Burrow told reporters on Wednesday afternoon [more]
Broncos name Teddy Bridgewater starting quarterback
Wed Aug 25 2021 17:05:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The quarterback competition is over in Denver. The Broncos have announced that Teddy Bridgewater will start the season as Denver’s QB1, winning the job over incumbent starter Drew Lock. The franchise tweeted out the news on Wednesday morning. Denver sent a 2021 sixth-round pick to Carolina in exchange for Bridgewater back in April. The trade [more]
Joe Burrow will play in Bengals’ final preseason game
Wed Aug 25 2021 16:27:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
After sitting out the Bengals’ first two preseason games, quarterback Joe Burrow will play in the preseason finale on Sunday. Bengals coach Zac Taylor confirmed today that Burrow will play a limited number of snaps on Sunday against the Dolphins. Taylor indicated he thinks it will be good for Burrow to have a feel for [more]
Mr. Michael Osterholm addressed disinformation with the Vikings, appealed to players’ responsibility to their community
Wed Aug 25 2021 15:43:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Dr. Michael Osterholm met with the Vikings on Monday, in a last-ditch effort to persuade anti-vaccine players (led by quarterback Kirk Cousins) to get the shot. Appearing Wednesday on Morning Joe, Dr. Osterholm summarized his message to the Vikings. “I really appreciated the opportunity to meet with the team, all the coaches and players,” he [more]
Giants activate Kyle Rudolph off the PUP list
Wed Aug 25 2021 12:51:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Giants are getting one of their key offseason additions on the field. New York announced on Wednesday morning that Kyle Rudolph has been activated off the physically unable to perform list and will participate in practice this week. Rudolph underwent offseason foot surgery after an issue popped up in his physical when he was [more]
Everson Griffen will apologize to Kirk Cousins for tweets from earlier this year
Mon Aug 23 2021 22:46:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Yes, the Vikings have re-signed a defensive end who once said the team’s starting quarterback “is ass.” Everson Griffen, a long-time member of the team who played for the Cowboys and Lions in 2020, posted in January a couple of tweets that he regrets about Kirk Cousins. Via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer [more]
Vikings sign Ito Smith, put Janarius Robinson on IR
Mon Aug 23 2021 18:43:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Defensive end Everson Griffen isn’t the only veteran joining the Vikings. The Vikings made Griffen’s signing official on Monday afternoon and they also announced that they have signed running back Ito Smith. Smith was a 2018 fourth-round pick by the Falcons and remained with the team until he was waived in April. He spent a [more]
Zac Taylor: Joe Burrow’s shown us enough to know he’ll be ready to play
Mon Aug 23 2021 17:56:36 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Quarterback Joe Burrow hasn’t played in the Bengals’ first two preseason games and head coach Zac Taylor hasn’t revealed whether he will play against the Dolphins this week, but he made it clear on Monday that he doesn’t need to see Burrow play in August to know that he’ll be where he needs to be [more]
Mike Zimmer says he’s thinking of players and their families with push to get vaccinated
Mon Aug 23 2021 17:55:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings brought in infectious disease expert Dr. Michael Osterholm today to talk to their players about the importance of getting vaccinated, and coach Mike Zimmer says that’s not just about not wanting players to miss games because of COVID-19. Zimmer said he wants players to know the vaccines are safe and effective because he [more]
Mike Zimmer: Everson Griffen “in a good place,” can help as situational player
Mon Aug 23 2021 17:36:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Defensive end Everson Griffen‘s impending return to the Vikings was among the topics of conversation at head coach Mike Zimmer’s Monday press conference. Zimmer confirmed that the team is close to a deal with a player who spent the first decade of his career in Minnesota. Griffen started 87 games over his final six seasons [more]
Vikings will have epidemiologist speak to team about vaccines
Mon Aug 23 2021 14:25:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
As evidenced by the number of players wearing masks on the sidelines during Saturday night’s preseason loss to the Colts, the Vikings still have plenty of players who haven’t gotten vaccinated. The Vikings will make another run at changing minds on Monday. Via NFL Media, epidemiologist and infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm will speak to [more]
Vikings expect to sign Everson Griffen
Mon Aug 23 2021 13:24:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Everson Griffen is on the way back to Minnesota. Griffen is expected to sign with the Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. That represents a reunion for Griffen, who was drafted by the Vikings in 2010 and played his entire career with them until leaving in free agency in 2020, signing with the [more]
Patrick Peterson: I want to prove to naysayers, myself that I can still play at a very high level
Mon Aug 23 2021 11:51:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
When cornerback Patrick Peterson became a free agent in March, it didn’t take him long to settle on the Vikings as the team he wanted to play for in 2021. Peterson agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal and told Peter King of Football Morning in America that the chance to play for head coach [more]
Vikings waive Warren Jackson, Dylan Mabin
Sun Aug 22 2021 22:47:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings have until Tuesday to pare their roster down to 80 players and they started the process on Sunday. The team announced that they have waived wide receiver Warren Jackson and cornerback Dylan Mabin. Linebacker Cameron Smith announced his retirement last month, so the Vikings are now down to 82 players. Jackson played seven [more]
Adam Thielen emerges from Week Two of the preseason with a thigh bruise
Sun Aug 22 2021 16:07:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings receiver Adam Thielen played in only four snaps of Saturday’s night game against the Colts. On the last one, a short pass to Thielen that he didn’t catch, he pulled up and began limping. After the game, coach Mike Zimmer explained that Thielen had indeed been injured. “He got a knee to the thigh, [more]
Ja’Marr Chase has three drops in second preseason game
Sat Aug 21 2021 04:25:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase entered the NFL with sky-high expectations. His early work at the pro level may be causing the bar to drop. And drop is the key word. Chase dropped three passes in Friday night’s preseason game at Washington. All three came on third-down plays. If caught, each play likely would have resulted [more]
Cameron Smith retires, days after coming back from heart surgery
Thu Aug 19 2021 00:03:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings linebacker Cameron Smith, who returned this year from open heart surgery in 2020, has retired from football. Via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Smith has announced his decision to step away from the game. He returned from last year’s surgery to play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Broncos. He suffered [more]
Vikings working out Everson Griffen
Wed Aug 18 2021 01:14:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Free agent defensive end Everson Griffen said last month he wanted to return to the Vikings. He could get that chance. Griffen will work out for the Vikings on Wednesday, Chris Long and Darren Wolfson of KSTP report. Griffen spent 10 years with the Vikings before signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys as a [more]
Vikings waive Amari Henderson
Tue Aug 17 2021 16:42:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Tuesday marks the first cutdown day of the summer and all 32 teams need to hit the 85-player limit by a 4 p.m. ET deadline. The Vikings got there with hours to spare by waiving cornerback Amari Henderson. They waived four other players over the last few days to get the ball rolling on their [more]
Justin Jefferson returns to practice for Vikings
Mon Aug 16 2021 21:16:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson missed more than a week of camp with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, but his absence from the field came to an end on Monday. According to multiple reports from Minnesota, Jefferson took part in practice on a limited basis. With Adam Thielen also practicing, the Vikings had their [more]
Vikings waive Blake Proehl, Riley Patterson
Mon Aug 16 2021 20:11:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings dropped two players from the active roster on Sunday and did it again on Monday. The team announced that they have waived kicker Riley Patterson and wide receiver Blake Proehl. Both players were waived with injury designations, so they’ll revert to injured reserve if they are not claimed by another team. Patterson’s departure [more]
Vikings waive Turner Bernard, Jordan Brailford
Mon Aug 16 2021 12:07:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Vikings announced a pair of cuts as the team works to get to the 85-player limit by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline to trim their roster. Long snapper Turner Bernard and defensive end Jordan Brailford have been waived in Minnesota. The Vikings now have 88 players, so three more moves will be coming. Brailford [more]
After saying that Kellen Mond wouldn’t play on Saturday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says he never said that
Sun Aug 15 2021 00:24:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
On Wednesday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said rookie quarterback Kellen Mond wouldn’t play in the preseason opener against the Broncos. Mond played a lot, handling six drives as only one of two quarterbacks who played for Minnesota against Denver. After the game, Zimmer denied saying that Mond wouldn’t play. “I never said that,” Zimmer said [more]
Despite limited practice, Kellen Mond gets extended work in preseason debut
Sat Aug 14 2021 22:59:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
A COVID diagnosis has limited the ability of rookie quarterback Kellen Mond to practice in training camp. Still, with only three practices under his belt, Mond got plenty of work against the Broncos on Saturday. “He needs to speed up the tempo,” coach Mike Zimmer said of Mond’s first half performance. “He made some plays [more]
Patrick Surtain II scores pick-six in Broncos preseason debut
Sat Aug 14 2021 21:04:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Patrick Surtain II has entered the NFL in style. Surtain, the Broncos’ rookie cornerback, intercepted a pass in the second quarter of today’s preseason game in Minnesota and raced 30 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. Denver selected Surtain with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, and the Broncos are expecting [more]
Jacob Eason will start Sunday and play most of the first half
Fri Aug 13 2021 23:00:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Owner Jim Irsay said Thrusday the Colts likely start one of the quarterbacks already with the team in the event Carson Wentz isn’t ready to return from foot surgery in time for the Sept. 12 season opener. That means Jacob Eason or Sam Ehlinger has an opportunity, and the two will have an equal opportunity. [more]
Yannick Ngakoue vows Raiders will see “different version of me”
Fri Aug 13 2021 20:25:08 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Yannick Ngakoue wanted out of Jacksonville badly enough to turn down a long-term deal that would have paid him around $19 million a season with $50 million in the first two years. He then was traded twice in two months. The pass rusher signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Raiders this offseason after [more]
Vikings preseason tickets going for as little as $3
Fri Aug 13 2021 20:11:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
After not having fans at any home games in 2020, the Vikings will welcome fans back on Saturday. But it’s just a preseason game, and that means fans aren’t particularly eager to go. Tickets are now going for as little as $3 on ticket resale sites, according to Chris Thomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer [more]
Kellen Mond not committing to vaccine after returning from COVID-19
Thu Aug 12 2021 22:59:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Three of the Vikings’ four quarterbacks are unvaccinated. That became known July 31 when rookie Kellen Mond tested positive for COVID-19, forcing Kirk Cousins and Nate Stanley to isolate for five days. Jake Browning, who is vaccinated, was the only quarterback the Vikings had for that night’s practice. Mond met with the media for the [more]
Mike Boone carted off at Broncos-Vikings joint practice
Thu Aug 12 2021 20:59:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Running back Mike Boone‘s return to Minnesota with his new team hit a snag on Thursday. Boone signed with the Broncos as a free agent this offseason after spending his first three NFL seasons with the Vikings. He returned to Minnesota for joint practices with his old team this week, but needed to be carted [more]
Christian Darrisaw had a core muscle procedure
Thu Aug 12 2021 18:08:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Vikings first-round pick Christian Darrisaw‘s continued absence from practice with a groin injury necessitated a visit with a specialist on Thursday and the tackle be out a while longer after that meeting. Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that Darrisaw had a core muscle procedure with Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia. It was described as [more]
Christian Darrisaw still struggling with groin injury
Thu Aug 12 2021 16:56:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
When Vikings first-round draft pick Christian Darrisaw missed practice time in Organized Team Activities, head coach Mike Zimmer called it just “a little groin pull.” But it seems to be more than that. Darrisaw is still struggling with the injury and has been missing training camp practices. Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reported that [more]
Kirk Cousins, Lamar Jackson should both get vaccinated (along with everyone else)
Wed Aug 11 2021 13:54:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
A bizarre but predictable narrative has emerged from the various grievance-based commentators who cater to a certain percentage of the culture. It goes like this: Kirk Cousins got destroyed for not getting vaccinated, and Lamar Jackson has gotten a pass. It’s a lazy and stupid but predictable take, one aimed at giving an audience that [more]
That's the end!